LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

®]|apA.^-nlaj«jri5|l f o. 

Shelf,.b-l-tSl>7 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






BY / 
JAMES BRAINERD MORGAN, 
Author of 
" Song Sermons and Other Poems," etc. 



BALTIMORE, MD: '^ Qi^^ 

H. K. Cammaxn & Bro., Binders. 



1893. 



/ 






Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1893 by 

JAMES BRAINERD MORGAN. 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, 

at Washinsfton. D. C. 



To My Only Sister, 
■ MRS. SARAH McKOWN, 
Gerardstown, West Virginia, 
This little volume is inscribed with fraternal 
love and gratitude. 



Elloeen .... 


1 


Be Gentle Unto All, 


7 


A Brother's Tribute, 


!» 


Life's Happiest Day, 


n 


A Song of Winter, 


13 


The Beauty of the Heart, . 


15 


The Parting, . . . 


17 


It Always Pays, . 


21 


Murmur Not, . . 


23 


My Valley Home, 


25 


At the Altar, 


28 


To Spring's First Minstrel, 


21) 


A Golden Hope 


31 


Thanks for Hope 


33 


Summer Night Musings, 


35 


Paddle Your Own Canoe, 


38 


The Beautiful Mountain, 


40 


One Little Year, 


•11 


Flowers, .... 


43 


The Stream By Which 1 Played . 


45 



Contents. 




The Sunny Day 


49 


A Fireside Chaunt 


50 


Album Dedication 


. 52 


Live For Me . . 


53 


A Thought .... 


. 55 


To a Loved One Gone Before 


. 56 


The Opening Day 


59 


The Closing Day 


61 


Who'll Be a Friend to Me . 


. 63 


The Meeting of the Years 


65 


To a Bride .... 


69 


The Song of the Wind 


70 


When Thou art Near . 


72 


Unfurl the Temperance Banner 


73 


A Wish for Thee 


75 


Longing for May 


77 


The Return of Spring 


79 


Epithalamium 


. 81 


Precious Gifts 


84 


Withered Roses 


85 


A Parting Rhyme 


88 


Start Now . , . . 


89 


The Brooklet Sang of Love . 


91 



Contents. 


Vil 


The Song of the Hours 

Our Birdliiigs ... 


0-1 


Borne Bway 

On Receiving a Boquet , 

A S'ummer Sunset 


97 
. ICO 
. 101 


Dedication Hymii 


. 103 


To My Sister .... 
The Maiden Whom I Love . 


. 105 
107 


The Roses Now Are Blooming 

At Easter-tide .... 


. 109 
. 112 


A Morning Ramble . . , 


113 


An Evening Stroll . . . . 
A Nuptial Wish . . . . 
To M 


117 

119 

. 120 

. 121 


J_ U -LVX . • , , 

The Death of the Day 


Autumn Leaves . . . 


. 124 


To a Young Graduate 

The Dying Mother to her Child 

The Vigil of the Stars 

Christian Batteries . . . . 


125 
127 
129 
131 


On the Bridge . . . . . 
Through Memory's Hall 
Passed Away 


133 

130 
137 



VIII CaNTE.^TS 


- 


A Stellar Fancy 


. UO 


The Bridal . . . 


. 141 


The Death of Summer 


. 145 


To My Wife 


. 148 


A Note of Warning 


. 149 


In Memoriam . 


. 153 


One By One 


. 156 


To Lillian May . 


. 157 


Joy to the Bride 


. 159 


A Young Hero . 


. 161 


My Mother's Chair 


: 166 


On the Threshold 


. 169 


Garlands of Roses 


. 172 


Ildewile ... 


. 173 


Love's Invitation 


. 175 


Passing the Milestones 


. 177 


Twilight Musings 


. 179 



STROLLINGS - IN "- SONGLAND. 



STROLLINfiS IN SOl-LAl. 



ELLOEEN. 

Tang-led amid the waving grass the golden sun- 
beams lay, 
Scattered all o'er the emerald mead one sunny 

summer day: 
The blooming flowers upon the air their pleasant 

perfume shed, 
While every leaf did bend beneath the balmy 

zephyr's tread. 
The little rill that wandered by, did sparkle in 

the light. 
And rippled forth its merry songs of innocent 

delight. 
As o'er a well-worn, winding- path that through 

the meadows lay, 
A gentle maiden, fair and glad, with springing 

step did stray. 



She was as graceful as the birds that warbled 

songs of glee. 
And lovely as the beauteous flowers that decked 

the dewy lea; 



Elloeen. 



Sweet as the music of the rill, her voice was 

soft and clear, 
As pleasant words in gentle tones did fall upon 

the ear; 
A soul of purity and truth looked ever frankly 

through 
The sparkling glances of her eye of clearest, 

softest blue, 
And for true loveliness and worth upon this 

earth, I ween, 
That few could equal, none surpass, the fair 

young Elloeen. 



Onward along the well-known path, with wild 

flowers bending o'er. 
And by the glistening rivulet's grassy, verdant 

shore; 
Now. 'neath the golden's sun's bright smile, now 

in the cooling shade. 
That leafy trees cast o'er the path, her roving 

footsteps strayed. 
Until within a little nook, where fairies well 

might hide. 
Hidden almost by guardian hills that rose on 

every side. 



Elloeen. 



With woodbine clambering all around, a little 

cottage white, 
By sudden turning of the path appeared at once 

to sight. 

Within that humble cottage home, upon a bed 

of pain, 
Beneath the power of fell disease long had a 

• sufferer lain; 

The cheering hope of health restored had weary 
grown at last. 

And with its pinions all adroop had from that 
bosom passed. 

No more upon that pallid cheek the rose of 
health should bloom. 

Or gleam of earthly life and joy unto that 
dim eye come; 

No more those feeble, fainting feet should wan- 
der forth in glee, 

Along the brooklet's grassy bank or o'er the 
verdant lea. 



With gentle touch fair Elloeen caressed the 

aching brow, 
And fondly spake in tender love, with accents 

soft and low, 



Elloeek, 



Sweet words of comfort and of cheer that came 

like precious balm 
Unto that weary, suffering heart, its sad unrest 

to calm, 
Full many days she thus had come, unfailing 

and untired, 
With thoughtful care, and bringing oft some 

luxury desired. 
Her gentle deeds of tender love bright beams of 

comfort shed 
Around the path those aged feet trod downward 

to the dead. 



Surely her care was well bestowed on one who 
knew the worth 

Of such true, Christian charity, so rarely found 
on earth; 

The glad light in the fading eye and the sinking 
voice's tone 

E'er told how dear that kindness was unto the 
fast departing one. 

And a great and sweet reward was in full mea- 
sure paid, 

Of inward peace and happiness, by Him who 
long ago hath said: 



Elloeei^. 



"When to give a cup of water in His name ye do 

not refuse 
To those who unto Him belong, youi* reward ye 

shall not lose. 

-At length one early autumn morn, when shining 

dewdrops bright 
-Fro n the perfumed hearts of roses cast back 

the new-born light— 
The silver cord of life was loosed, the golden 

bowl did break. 
Free from all earth's sorrows the soul its heaven- 
bound flight did take. 
And in the mansions of the blest, before the 

Great White Throne, 
Amid the ransomed hosts, methinks the happy 

saint made known 
The kindly, Christlike deeds of one of rare and 

precious worth. 
Who'd cast the pearls of faithful love around 

her path on earth. 



0, may we all amid the scenes of earthly life 

below, 
About our varied daily paths with cheerful 

spirits go; 



6, Elloeet^t. 



By tender deeds of gentleness, and words of 

peace and love, 
Lay up unfading treasures in yon bright home 

above, 
AVhere moth and rust doth not corrupt, nor 

thieves break through and steal, 
But which shall there be ever safe when e'en 

the earth shall fail. 
So that when all our days and works shall be 

completed here, 
We'll go to reap the rich rewards of endle.^3 

blessing there. 



BE GEKTLE UNTO ALL. 



Be gentle uiito all — 

'Tis pleasanter far 
To live with thy neighbor 

In peace than in war; 
E'«r do unto others 

As them ye'd have do. 
And friendship's sweet flowers 

Your pathway shall strew. 



Be gentle unto all — 

Kind words have a power 
To cheer the sad bosom, 

As dewdrops the flower, 
O, cast them about thee, 

Where'er thou dost go. 
And pleasure the truest 

Thy own heart shalt know. 



Be Gentle Unto All. 



Be gentle unto all — 

Oft dark anger yields 
To the magic-like power 

That gentleness wields; 
A soft, quiet answer 

The rising storm quells. 
And gentleness wins, 

Where harshness repels. 



Be gentle unto all, 

In thought, word and deed; 
The comfort of kindness 

All hearts often need; 
Oh, why should we ever, 

In anger or scorn, 
By unkindness make 

Another's heart mourn ? 



Be gentle unto all — 

And the kindness ye shoAv 
In rich fullness again 

Your own heart shall know; 
Like doth produce like, 

Where'er it doth fall; 
Then if you'd live smoothly. 

Be gentle to all. 



A BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE. 



Amid sunshine and flowers thy birthday hath 

come. 
May sunshine and flowers be with thee for aye ! 
O'er life's earthly path thou hast traveled along, 
While full fifty years have glided away; 
The prints of their feet are now on thy brow, 
The down of their wings appears on thy hair. 
But all of them tell of victories won, 
And to hearts of love still make thee more dear. 



These fifty years have been changeful to thee, 
As one by one they have hastened along: 
They have rung in thy ears the varying notes 
Of funereal dirge and glad nuptial song; 
Love's sweetest blossoms they've gathered for 

thee. 
Have brought the sharp thorns of sorrow and 

care; 
Kindred's glad meetings thy hearthstone around, 
A daughter's farewell to travel afar. 



10 A Brother's Birthday Tribute. 



They have gathered rich treasures of wisdom 

and mirth. 
In the Past's great store-house, no vision can see 
Save thine alone, when Memory comes 
And opens the portal with bright, golden key; 
Amid those fair treasures thy spirit may dream 
Of the gladness of girlhood, so sunny and gay— 
Of life's later years, unshadowed or dark. 
That forms life's record e'en down to to-day. 



The wings of old Time are never at rest, 
Unceasing he flies 'long life's checkered way; 
May he cast from his wings rich blessings to 

thee 
That brighter shall grow till life's latest day, 
And when even he has grown weary and died. 
May angels convey thy spirit in love, 
Where eternity's cycles no shadows do fling 
'Mid the sunshine and flowers of heaven above. 



LIFE'S HAPPIEST DAY. 



Of all the days that form life's span, 

As here our mortal race we run — 
Each perfect as when time began — 

That come unto us one by one — 
Rich with the -morning's burnished gold, 

The noontide's gleam, the evening's rest, 
Which doth the purest joys enfold ? 

Which of them all is happiest ? 



O, when doth come life's happiest day ? 

Doth it appear with childish glee, 
In life's bright morn, and pass away 

Like some soft song of melody ? 
Or does it come when ardent youth 

Looks bravely up with kindling eye, 
Accepts Hope's prophecies as truth, 

Nor sees a cloud in all life's skv. 



12 Liee's Happiest Day. 



Or does it como when the great sun, 

High in the zenith, shineth full. 
When Fame's or Love's rare prize is won, 

And Fortune's gifts are prodigal ? 
Or when the evening, calm and sweet. 

Sings its soft vespers to the heart. 
And we, life's changeful course complete, 

Await the summons to depart ? 



The happiest day of life, I trow. 

Is not confined to any age, 
And no estate, nor high nor low, 

Can claim it as a heritage; 
It dawneth fair for every one 

Who will its passing sweetness know. 
And walking 'neath its shining sun. 

Share in its gladness and its glow. 

The happiest day of life is known 

When truest deeds of love are done, 
Most kindness unto others shown. 

O'er self and sin most victories won; 
'Tis these which give true joy, and make 

Our path through life a pleasant way. 
And bring, when done for Christ's dear sake, 

Heaven's endless, happy day. 



A SOKG OF WINTER, 



O, Winter has gaily come again, 

Witli its store of pleasures rare, 
And we would greet his frosty reign 

With songs of hearty cheer; 
And if we breathe a sad ah ! ah ! 

That summer now is o'er, 
We'll merrily trill a gay tra ! la ! 

That winter's come once once more. 



A mantle pure of sparkling snow 

Is stretching far and wide, 
As sleighers gay doth jocund go. 

In jolly mirth to ride; 
And oft there comes a glad ha ! ha ! 

Floating the hilltops o'er, 
AVhile jingling sleighbells ring tra ! la 

That winter's come once more. 



14r A SoxMG OF Winter. 



Aud when we gather 'round the hearth. 

Withm our cheerful homes, 
We'll share bright hours of joy and mirth, 

Unknown till winter comes: 
With merry songs and gay ha ! ha ! 

The hours pass lightly o'er. 
And every heart doth sing tra ! la ! 

That winter's come once more. 



0, winter has gaily come again, 

From his frosty, frozen shore; 
Warm hearts now join a glad refrain 

To see him back once more. 
Although we sigh a sad ah ! ah ! 

That summer now is o'er, 
We merrily trill a gay tra ! la ! 

That winter's come once more. 



THE BEAUTY OF THE HEART. 



A lovely form may charm the eye, 

With fairest comeliness and grace, 
And oft we are attracted by 

The witching beauty of a face; 
But there's a beauty far more true, 

Whose pleasing charms shall ne'er depart, 
But every morn and eve be new — 

It is the beauty of the heart. 



Beneath the weight of passing years 

The proudest form must stoop and bend, 
All outward forms that beauty wears 

Must fade away and have an end; 
The sparkling light will leave the eye, 

And from the cheek the bloom depart. 
But there's a charm that ne'er shall die — 

It is the beauty of the heart. 



16 The Beauty of the Heart. 



This beauty scatters o'er life's path 

The gems of happiness and truth, 
And many charms in age it hath, 

As in the rosy bloom of youth; 
A charm that wreathes the earth with 
flowers, 

And doth the sweetest joys impart. 
And brightly gilds life's weary hours — 

The fadeless beauty of the heart. 



THE PARTING. 



Farewell, old coat ! For many months 

We've jogged along life's way together; 
I've found thee e'er a friend indeed, 

That did not change with change of weathe: 
Through weal and woe, 'mid sun and storm. 

Through sunmier's heat and winter's cold, 
Thou'st shielded me with ready web, 

And kindly didst my form enfold. 



Farewell, old coat I I love thee yet, 

Old as thou art, threadbare and gray, 
More truly than the sleekest coat 

That dandies sport on life's Broadway; 
A thousand pleasant memories rise 

Within my heart at sight of thee. 
Of halcyon days, when hope and joy 

Composed life's precious argosy. 



18 The Parting. 



Farewell, old coat I Let others scorn, 

If so disposed, and say you're old; 
'Tis true; yet old friends are the best, 

And age is venerable, I'm told; 
We've shared too many ups and downs. 

Have known each other far too well. 
To part because a stranger sneers. 

Or without sadness say farewell. 



Farewell, old coat I 'Mid checkerd scenes 

Which form life's record here below— 
Where bridal vows were softly breathed, 

Where burial prayers were uttered low — 
Where meeting gladness filled the heart, 

Where parting hours were dim with tears- 
Where Hope her golden censer swung 

And flashed a radiance o'er the years — 



The busy city's jar and hum. 

Its crowded pave and thronged mart. 
Where haughty wealth rolls proudly by, 

And poverty wears out the heart — 
The pleasant country's fairer scenes. 

Its blooming dells and fragrant heather, 
Its cordial friendships, heathful joys, 

We long have passed and stuck together; 



The Parting. m 



Farewell, old coat ! The cruel sun 

Hath sadly changed thy once rich hue. 
Frayed are thy edges and alas I 

A hole or two appears to view; 
Thou niight'st be mended, but 'twere hard 

To find the cloth with thine to match, 
Forced unions are not good, and, too, 

"A hole wears longer than a patch." 



Farewell, old coat ! Were language thine, 

Thou could' st a varied tale reveal, 
Of thrilling aspirations high, 

Of glowing thought and burning zeal — 
Of sad heartaches — of inward joys — 

Of dreamings far too bright to last — 
Of lofty hopes, of doubts and fears — 

Which ne'er beyond thy warm folds passed. 



Farewell, old coat ! Thou art a type 

Of what our mortal bodies are, 
On which we lavish so much thought, 

And cherish with such loving care; 
Like thee, they will grow old and fade, 

Despite our utmost love and pride, 
Until at last within the grave 

The wornout garb is laid aside. 



20 The PARTixa, 



Farewell, old coat ! To don a new 

I sadly lay thee now away; 
Thou'st sei'ved me well and much I grieve 

To see the ending of thy day; 
Thou hast grown old and thin and gray, 

I know "tis more my fault than thine, 
And real comfort now demands 

That I should thy embrace resign. 



Farewell, old coat ! I breathe a sigh 

To think ITl feel thy clasp no more, 
Shielding my form in sun and storm, 

As in the changeful days of yore; 
I've worn thee long, I love thee well, 

For all that thou to me hast been; 
I lay thee by, but in my heart 

Thy memory shall long be green. 



IT ALWAYS PAYS. 



It always pays, 

'Mid blame or praise, 
To do the right, whate'er betide, 
'Though worldly wisdom may deride. 
The right at last is sure to win 
The victory over wrong and sin. 

It always pays, 

On brightest days. 
To heed the truth that clouds oft rise 
And darken e'en the sunniest skies; 
So for a change in time prepare, 
jSTo life is ever bright and fair. 

It always pays, 

On darkest days, 
When troublous cares and deep distress 
On every side about us press. 
When fortune and false friends depart. 
To labor on with dauntless heart. 



22 It Always Pays. 



It always pays 

To tread the ways 
Of duty, purity and truth. 
In childhood, age and hlooming youth; 
All such, to faith and virtue true. 
Are blest, 'though skies be black or blue. 



It always pays, 

On all our days, 
To seek the light and do our best, 
As conscience dictates in the breast, 
And heaven's smile will crown our ways 
If thus we act-="it always pays. 



MURMUR NOT. 



Oh ! murmur not, 'though life seems dark. 
And gloomy clouds enshroud the sky. 

Be strong in hope and light will mark 
With brighter beams the bye-and-bye. 



Oh ! murmur not, 'though often here 
Should trials unto thee be given; 

The crosses that we rightly bear 

But brighter make the crowns in heaven. 



Oh ! murmur not, 'though those you love 
Should faithless prove when sorrow lowers. 

If you but trust, there's One above 
Who changes not in darkest hours. 



24 Murmur Not. 



Oh ! murmur not, that fairest flowers 
That wreathe thy life should fade and (i: 

Such loss amid earth's sin-stained bowers 
Doth make a brighter crown on high. 



Oh ! murmur not, for over all 
Is one who knows each life full well, 

Who marks each little sparrow's fall. 
And ever "doeth all things well." 



Oh ! murmur not. With hope and strength 
Thy crosses bear and ills endure; 

Tread duty's path and know at length 
The day of full reward is sure. 



MY VALLEY HOME. 



I've wandered far away from thee, 
Valley Home, my Valley Home. 

O'er mountain, river, hill and lea. 
Valley Home, my Valley Home. 

Yet oft in loving fealty 

My thoughts go gladly hack to thee, 

And precious is thy memory, 
Valley Home, my Valley Home. 



Famed Potomac's glittering tide. 

Valley Home, my Valle;f Home, 
Doth proudly 'long thy borders glide. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home, 
Tall, towering mountains in great pride 
Guard thee in love upon each side. 
And matchless beauties 'bout thee bide. 
Valley Home, my Valley Home, 



26 My Valley Home. 



The shock of war, the cannon's roar. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home. 
Where brave men met, have echoed o'er 

Valley Home, my Valley Home, 
I'm prouder of and love thee more, 
For richer in historic lore 
Art thou than any land before. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home, 



Thy rocks and rills and dells I love, 

Valley Home, my Valley Home, 
Thy mountains grand and shady groves. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home. 
O, wheresoe'er my footsteps rove, 
Fond ties about my heartstrings wove 
Doth bind to thee with deathless love, 
Valley Home, my Valley Home. 



Thy children's hearts are warm, sincere. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home; 
Thy sons are brave, thy daughters fair. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home; 
With thine no people can compare, 
May choicest blessing man knows here, 
Be richly theirs, now and fore'er. 
Valley Home, my Valley Home. 



My Valley Home. 27 



To thee I fondly hope to come, 

ValleY Home, my Valley Home, 
There to renew the joys I've known. 

Valley Home, my Valley Home, 
"Mid thee my race of life to run, 
']ylid thee to rest when life is done, 
Thou fairest land beneath the sun. 
Vallev Home, mv Valley Home. 



AT THE ALTAR, 



Upon this fair, auspicious day, 
Bright, beaming joys arise. 

As mortal lives are linked for aye 
In wedlock's holy ties. 



With tender trust fond vows are breathed, 

No shadow now appears, 
Sweet Hope with garlands fair has wreathed 

The smiling future years. 



Oh ! may thy hearts, while here below 
Thy paths run side by side, 

Retain the gladness and the glow 
Of bridegroom and of bride. 



May Joy its snowy pinions fold 
Where'er thy home shall be, 

And Fortune's jewel'd chalice hold 
No bitter draught for thee ! 



TO SPRING'S FIRST MINSTREL. 



Sweet musical warbler, first minstrel of spring. 
With joyous surprise now thy coming I greet, 
As thou dost fling upon the cool, matin air 
A full leaping flood of soft melody sweet; 
The sunbeams of morning that tip thy slight 

wings, 
And are shattered the tree's laced branches 

among, 
Seem filled with strange wonder and delight as 

they meet 
Thy clear, liquid notes of mellifluous song. 



Like delicate ruffles the spotless snow lies 
Along the fencerows, on the shady hillside, 
King Winter still lingers with loM'ering skies. 
And clings to his throne with an obstinate pride; 
But thy song is full of rich promises true 
Of bonnie blue skies, bursting buds and sweet 

flowers, 
Of the beautiful spring, virgin queen of the year. 
Who's making her way to this region of ours. 



To Springes First Minstrel, 



O. brave little wanderer, I fear that too soon 
You have left the fair land of blossoms and 

vines. 
That cruel Jack Frost will treat you unkindly 
For venturing" so soon within his drear lines; 
But should he presume to e'er reprimand thee, 
To stop thy free flight or do thee a wrong, 
Then come and receive safe protection with me, 
Or melt his cold heart with a sweet, happy song. 



A glad cordial welcome to thee I do give, 
Mistrust not my friendship, 'tis earnest and free; 
A wish in my rhymings for thee I would twine, 
As thou hast so joyously warbled for me. 
May the tall, graceful tree on which thou dost 

sing. 
Soon be filled with green leaves to curtain thy 

nest, 
Where thou may'st repose, 'mid the pause of thy 

songs. 
As the summers soft zephyrs shall rock thee to 

rest. 

4 



A GOLDEN HOPE. 



When fragrant flowers shall stand again 

In blooming beauty o'er the plain, 

Again shall robe, through sunny day, 

Dingle and hill in bright array. 

My heart shall be with deep joy filled. 

My soul with truest pleasure thrilled. 

And life be but a song of glee. 

For then thou'rt coming back to me. 



How sweet and bright will be the day, 
When wintry storms have passed away I 
How full of gladness and of mirth. 
When spring shall come again to earth ! 
My eager eyes in shining hours 
Will closely search for buds and flowers, 
For when they stand upon the plain 
To me thou'rt coming back again. 



32 A Golden Hope. 



Oh I may the hours all swiftly fly — 

The days in quick succession die — 

The weeks and months in rapid flight, 

Fleet o'er the earth on wings of light, 

Until the happy hour shall come 

When I shall greet thee at my home, 

And purest joys shall live again, 

When blooming flowers stand o'er the plain. 



THANKS FOR HOPE. 



I am thankful I can hope — Ciias. VV, McKown. 



AVell may we give true thanks for Hope, 
That constant comforter of man. 

A bright-faced friend whose winsome smiles 
Gladdens the heart throughout life's span. 



When shadows fall o'er heart and home. 

When fortune frowns and all is drear, 
New strength and courage to us come 

As Hope's enlivening voice we hear. 



When life is bright 'neath cloudless skies. 

And blessings full and sweet abound, 
Hope whispers with alluring tones 

Of futures yet more richly crowned. 



34 Thanks For Hope. 



'Mid all the changeful scenes of earth, 
Hope fondly nestles in man's heart, 

And with bright prophecies of good 
Doth comfort, joy and peace impart. 



When strength departs and health is gone, 
And death's dark shadows 'round us rise, 

Hope lingers still and points the way 
To fairer scenes beyond the skies. 



SUMMER NIGHT MUSmGB. 



O. soft and sweet is the evening air, 

The perfumed breeze floats by, 
And gentle Luna, bright and fair, 

Smiles kindly from a cloudless sky; 
Beneath her glance the dewdrops bright, 

Like gleaming pearls about my feet, 
Are shining with her silvery light 

In the hearts of roses sweet. 



Beneath these star-gem VI skies so faii'j 

Caressed by zephyrs soft and light. 
My heart drinks in the beauty rare 

Of this lovely summer night; 
And sitting here in solitude. 

I yield unto its wierd control; 
As in a quiet, musing mood. 

Sad, solemn thoughts steal o'er my soul. 



o(j Summer N'ight MiTsfNGS, 



How many millions like to me, 

Have watched nig-ht's empress, fair and pale, 
Shed forth her soft light beauteously 

O'er limpid wave and verdant dale ! 
And on sweet, dewy eves agone, 

Have marked with tender, loving eyes, 
Those sparkling stars as one by one 

They strolled out on the deep blue skies. 



Those eyes long since have closed below. 

And ne'er again these scenes shall view; 
The hearts that oft did warmly glow 

With love and adoration true, » 

As they watched you planets roll. 

And read the lessons that they taught, 
Of truth and power unto the soul. 

Have passed away and been forgot. 



But yon fair moon and stars so bright 

Yet move in beauty through the sky. 
And give as fair and pure a light 

As when they first were placed on high. 
The balmy breeze is just as mild. 

The flowers the self -same perfume give, 
'Though millions that have wept and smiled 

Amid their charms have ceased to live. 



Summer Night Musings. o7 



So will it be when I am gone, 

And in the grave's deep silence rest; 
The busy world will still move on, 

With its toil and song and jest; 
Other fond eyes will view these skies, 

Other glad hearts with pleasure glow. 
The flowers will wear the same bright dyes. 

The same mild zephyrs softly blow. 



Oh I who will care that one wave more, 

Unnoticed 'mid the sea's grand chime, 
Doth break upon the shadowy shore 

That forms the boundary of time ! 
'Tis but the common fate of all, 

Whate'er their station, fame or power, 
To each the sombre bier and pall 

Must come at the appointed hour. 



Yet far beyond those bending skies 

There is a land all bright and fair, 
And though this mortal body dies. 

My nobler part shall live fore'er. 
So may I spend earth's hastening hours 

That I shall live in endless day 
When moon and stars, sweet birds and flowers 

Have passed forevermore away. 



'PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE.'' 



O. reader friend, pray now attend, 
To this old maxim lend an ear, 

As o'er the tide of life you glide 
Be ever careful how you steer, 

And if the sky be black or blue, 

Ever "paddle your own canoe." 



Let none beside be left to guide 
Your vessel o'er life's mighty main, 

Lest in the hour when storm-clouds lower 
You find your trust in them prove vain; 

For oft are false those we deem true. 

Be strong and "'paddle your own canoe." 



Though some mistakes you chance to make, 
Yet such errors you may retrieve, 

And 'tis better far at times to err 
Than be pinn'd to another's sleeve; 

So all thy checkered voyage through. 

Be wise and "paddle your own canoe." 



39 "Paddle Your Own Canoe.' 



With hand of care and conscience clear. 

Looking for light and strength above. 
With spirit strong to stem the wrong. 

And heart all filled with hope and love- 
With honor high and valor true, 
Do right and ''paddle your own canoe." 



And when at last you shall have passed 
Life's smooth or boisterous ocean o'er, 

O, may you land upon the strand 

Where storms and troubles are no more, 

And in the haven of pleasure true. 

Safely anchor your own canoe. 



THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN, 



How lovely is yon mountain now, 
To our fond, admiring- eyes, 

Arrayed from base to loftiest brow 
In gorgeous robes of autumn dyes ! 



Like to a monarch richly drest. 
It towers aloft in regal pride; 

An emerald crown upon its crest. 
And countless beauties deck each side. 



The lofty oak and pine tree green. 

The late wild flower with fragrance fraught, 
The dark blue rocks, the rills' bright sheen, 

Are all in witching beauty wrought. 



ONE LITTLE YEAR. 



One little year has flitted by, 
My bonnie wife, since you and I 

Together at love's altar stood — 
Since the beauteous bud of hope 
Burst into flower, and life's fair cup 

Was brimmed with full beatitude. 



One little year, whose jeweled hours. 
Enwreathed with joy's unsullied flowers. 

Have glided laughingly along; 
Each strengthening love's golden chain. 
And adding still a sweeter strain 

Unto life's thrilling anthem-song. 



One little year, how swift its flight I 
Its record, beautiful and bright. 

We now with thankfulness review: 
Hope's glad fruition it did bring, 
And o'er life's path did ever fling 

Rich blessings bountiful and true. 



-£2 OxE Little Teak. 



How much of happiness and glee,. 
Of heart-content, from sorrow free, 

This little year to us hath brought ! 
With argosies of beauty rare. 
And treasures choice, beyond compare. 

Each happy, hastening day was fraught. 



Should seasons of distress and woe, 
As mortal man must often know, 

By fortune's changes come to me. 
Thy sunny smiles shall gladden still. 
For every sorrow, every ill, 

I'll find an antidote in thee. 



One little year of beauty bright. 
Of love and song and sweet delight. 

Has flitted rapidly away; 
Oh ! may it but an earnest be 
Of brighter ones we yet shall see 

Within the smiling future's day. 



T^^LOWERS, 



The lovely flowers, so sweet and so fai'f , 
Are blooming- in beauty o'er hilltop and delb 
Filling with fragrance the soft, summer air, 
-And teaching bright lessons no tongue can e'ef 

telL 
They talk to our hearts of vii'tue and truth, 
Of innocence, gentleness, purity, love, 
And point old age and glad, hopeful youth. 
To their own native clime, fair heaven above. 

How bright do they seem when morning's pure 

beam 
O'er their beautiful heads is lovingly shed. 
And on their soft leaves sparkling dewdrops do 

gleam, 
Like diamonds set in a rose-tinted bed I 
And when o'er the earth eve's dark shadows 

creep, 
How charmingly fair are they then to the sight. 
As their soft eyes are closing so cahnly to sleep 
Beneath starry skies through the short summer 

night. 

O, is there one heart so callous and cold, 

That sometimes does not, 'mid life's weary 

hours, 
Turn from its worship of self and of gold, 
To love and admire the dear, precious flowers, 



44 Flowkr^!. 



Ever to me they've a power to impart 
Rare pleasures the purest that earth can bestow, 
To fill with deep gladness my fond, loving heart, 
For ""my soul doth love and admire them so." 



Should sadness and sorrow mark the dark 

hours, 
And trouble and care be my portion below, 
Yet all is not gloom while the sweet, guileles 

flowers 
Their cheering influence about me doth throw. 



And when upon earth my life's work is done, 
'Twould be a source of enjoyment to know 
That over my grave, though lowly and lone, 
Sweet flowers in their grace and beauty should 
grow. 



THE STREAM BY WHICH 1 PLAYED, 



The stream by which I played. 

In boyhood's golden day, 
Still glitters through the glade, 

Along its winding way : 
Its waters gleam as bright, 

As sparkliugly they flow, 
Their song is soft and blithe, 

As in the long ago. 



The Day~King did delight 

To gild its limpid sheen, 
A silver ribbon bright, 

'Mid grass8y banks of green; 
The graceful willow tree. 

With yellow garlands drest, 
Bowed down in friendly glee 

To kiss the crystal crest. 



l^HE STR^bTAM By W'hIC'H I PlaYED\ 



The balmy breezes oft 

Did o'er it love to play, 
Dimpling with fingers soft, 

And tossing the light spray:, 
Each leaping wave that curled 

In beauty on the air, 
With jewels was impearled 

When sunbeams lingered there. 



A host of memories throng 

In pleasing guise today, 
As now I stroll along 

Old Mill Creak's winding way; 
Into the heart they steal, 

With a full tide of joy. 
Making me almost feel 

Myself again a boy. 



Full oft in boyish glee 

Unto its banks I've sped, 
With pants rolled to the knee, 

Have waded o'er its bed. 
And when bare feet I've splashed 

To make the white foam run. 
Each little wave so dashed 

Seemed giggling at the fun. 



The Stream By WfficH 1 Played. 4" 



"W'hat happy times I've kno\vu. 

With sense of skiU impress'd. 
As pebbles smooth I've thrown 

To skip along the crest. 
And make the ripples ride. 

Half a score or more. 
In circles far and wide, 

Till shattered on the shore. 



Por long, still hours I've sat. 

Till patience perished quite. 
Tempting with fitting bait 

The cautious fish to bite; 
Or with some pleasing book. 

Or caught in Somnus net, 
Time, place, and fish and hook. 

And self I would forget. 



O, golden boyhood's day I 

O, care-free long ago 1 
Ye quickly passed away. 

E'en like the streamlet's flow. 
But while its waters run, 

'Mid mead or woodland shade. 
The joys by it I've known 

From memory cannot fade. 



48 The Stream By Which I Played. 



I've roved by singing streams, 

Aud rivers grand along, 
But none so brightly gleams. 

Or sings so sweet a song 
As the stream by which I played 

In boyhood's golden day, 
That glitters through the glade. 

Along its winding way. 



THE SUNNY DAY. 



The day is warm and bright and cheery, 
It shines and the light is never dreary; 
The roses bloom where the sunbeams fall. 
Giving sweet joy and fragrance to all, 
And the day is bright and cheery. 



My life is warm and bright and cheery, 
It shines, and the light is never dreary. 

My thoughts recall glad scenes of the past. 

Around the future fair hopes are cast, 
And the day is bright and cheery. 



Be glad, my heart, and still be singing, 

Rejoice in all that time is bringing, 
Though care and sorrow come to all. 
Into each life rich blessings fall, 
And the days are bright and cheery. 



A FIRESIDE CHANT. 



The flowers of summer have faded, 
The long, sunny days are now o'er, 

And winter snow -mantled and frosty, 
Has come forth to greet us once more. 



The soft, balmy breezes have left us, 
The blast is now bitter with cold. 

And snowflakes like phantoms are flying" 
In wildness o'er woodland and wold. 



But though cold storms may now gather. 
And the air be biting and keen. 

WeTl draw up around the warm hearth, 
And still have sweet summer within. 



The voice of sweet laughter shall gladden. 

As lightly it falls on the ear, 
The smile of afl'ection shall brighten, 

And each heart true pleasure shall share. 



A Fireside Chant. 51 



The ^lad, merry song shall resound. 
And tones of fond friendship shall fall. 

Sweet enjoyment shall garland the hours. 
And peace fold its wings over all. 



Then, though the sky may be darkened. 

The winds be all piercing and keen. 
And without be the coldest of winter. 

We'll still keep sweet summer within. 



ALBUM DEDICATION. 



Go, little album, gather beauties rare, 
And bind upon thy pages fair, 

Sweet messages of love, 
That oft with happiness shall cheer 
Thy owner's heart when all is drear. 

And richest blessings prove. 



Go, and from Poesy's fair stores 
Cull brighter gems and richer ores 

Than Ophir's mines e'er knew; 
Gather the gayest flowers of wit. 
Fond love's warm words, and tokens sweet 

Of pure affection true. 



Go I and as no ruthless hand shall dare 
To pen upon thy pages fair 

False friendship's treacherous vow. 
So may the passing years ne'er bring 
To thy owner's heart one grief, nor fling 

A shadow o'er her brow. 



"LIVE FOR ME." 



Dark, gloomy clouds did veil life's sky. 

And hid each ray of cheerful light; 
My troubled spirit prone did lie. 

Wrapped in the shades of sorrow's night; 
My heart was filled with deep despair. 

Forsaken, sad and all forlorn; 
The earth seemed but a desert drear, 

And life scarce worthy to be borne. 



But, coupled with a cherished name, 

Bearing new light and joy to me, 
Upon the written page there came 

This little message: -'Live for me." 
Then from my heart the shadows fled. 

Beamed o'er my path a rosy ray. 
And faith and hope that but seemed dead. 

Trilled forth again a cheering lay. 



54 "Live For Me." 



These tender words, so short and plain, 

Came unto me with magic power, 
They nerved my heart with strength again 

To battle through the darkest hour; 
I felt that life had still a charm 

That from dark care my soul could woo. 
And that my mind, my heart and arm 

Had still a mission here to do. 



And so have all some useful part 

To play upon life's active stage; 
A power to cheer some lonely heart, 

Some joy to give or grief assuage; 
Then, weary brother, ne'er despair. 

Nor think that life is vain to thee, 
For some fond heart, with faith sincere, 

May now be bidding: "Live for me." 



A THOUGHT. 



'Twas born iu a moment, but what mortal can 

tell 
The wonderful power, the magical spell, 
Which over the mind of man it doth hold, 
Unpurchased by wealth, more potent than gold. 
'Twas born in a moment, and from its dim home 
In the mind's deep cell it brightly did come. 
To break the dark bands of passion and error, 
Make honor and duty shine fairer and clearer. 
Until, led by its power and sweetness along. 
The world should awake to pleasure and song. 



'Twas born in a moment, but when shall it die ? 

When the cheek shall grow pale and sunken 
the eye ? 

When the hand that penned it shall mouldei- iu 
dust. 

As moulder ere long it certainly must ? 

Ah, no I but its cheering and musical chime 

Shall echo and ring through the aisles of all time, 

Through the dark, dusty corridors of swift roll- 
ing years, 

Undimmed it shall linger when earth disappears. 

Thought is immortal, and when time is no more 

Its fruit shall be seen on eternity's shore. 



TO A LOVED ONE GONE BEFORE. 



Thou art gone I Death's all-triumphant sword 
Hath crossed thy path and 'loosed the silver cord 
Of thy young life and called thee hence 
In all thy blooming youth and innocence. 
Heaven claimed its own, and 'twas not strange 

that thou should' st die, 
Each grace of mind and heart had marked thee 

for the sky. 
Love could not shield thee from the cruel dart, 
Else it would ne'er have pierced thy guileless 

heart. 
Nor beauty nor high gifts nor hopes could save 
Thee from the cruel, selfish grave. 



Thou art gone ! Oh, how sad the thought ! 
The hours are now with sorrow fraught. 
And all the world seems dark and drear 
Since thy dear presence ceased to cheer. 
Thou art gone ! But still our souls do meet and 

mingle with thine own. 
Around* our hearts thy memory sweet doth cling 

like softest tone 
Of gentle music and shall ever be 
A talisman ic melody. 



To A Loved One Gone Before. 



Thou art gone ! The morn of thy .young lovely 

life is palled ! 
Away from earthly care and pain thy gentle 

spirit has been called, 
And borne by angel wings to a brighter, happier 

shore, 
There to meet thy loved ones who've gained the 

crown before; 
Who stand with songs within that happy land. 
And smiling bid thee join their loving band. 
While sister spirits sweetly bid thee come. 
And seraphs guide thee to their sinless home. 
To share with them their blest abode. 
And the sweet presence of a smiling God. 

Thou art gone I But in the shining realms of 

bliss 
Angelic hosts have met thee with a smile and 

kiss, 
And there forever shalt thou rest, 
'Mid all the holy and the blest, 
While heavenly pleasures 'round thee roll. 
And joys celestial fill thy soul. 
"An amaranthine chaplet wreathes thy pearly 

brow," 
Attendant angels stand and wait upon thee now. 
And cull for thee ambrosial joys above. 
And fadeless pleasures in the courts of love. 



58 To A Loved One Gone Before. 



Thou art gone I And though we ne'er shall meet 

again 
In this dark world of sorrow, care and pain, 
Yet we shall meet upon a happier shore, 
When this "vain parade of life" is o'er; 
In that bright home beyond the sky, 
Where parting tears ne'er dim the eye — 
Where sorrow's sun has never shone, 
And farewell is a word unknown, 
Where naught fond spirits e'er shall sever — 
There we shall meet and live forever. 



THE OPENING DAY. 



The gold-dust of the opening day 

Is strewn along the eastern sky, 
Bright rosy beams of new-born light 

Over the earth in beauty fly; 
The silver stars that for long hours 

Of darkness kept their vigils true, 
"Withdraw their guard and sink to rest 

Behind a canopy of blue. 



The seals of slumber once more break, 

As morning light salutes our eyes; 
With heart and mind and frame refreshed, 

With vigor new may we arise, 
And through the shining hours that mark 

The passage of this fair, new day, 
Go gladly forth to do or be. 

Wherever duty points the way. 



60 The Opening Day. 



While day's bright hours a,re with us here, 

To useful labor may we go. 
And as our record of their flight 

True thoughts and worthy actions show; 
For they are passing swiftly by, 

And from earth will soon be gone, 
Then shall come the shadowed night, 

When no labor can be done. 



THE CLOSmG DAY. 



Again the sun has sought his couch, 

And hid his rosy, beaming light, 
Now once more the darkened shadows 

Fall from the sable wings of night. 
Another day has quickly fled 

To join the centuries gone before, 
Bearing all its joys and sorrows 

To the past's dim, mystic shore. 



Let us pause while now the shadoA, s 

Doth gather o'er each hill and dell, 
And ponder what is now the record 

This day before the throne doth tell. 
Is it one all bright and glorious 

With gentle deeds of peace and love, 
Or have sinful words and actions 

Formed the record borne above ? 



62 The Closing Day'. 



Have we written o'er its pages 

Bright, sweet records that long shall live, 
That in future days shall bless us, 

And lasting joy and comfort give? 
Or shall it bear forevermore, 

Through all the weary, coming years, 
Dark records that we'd fain efface 

With many bitter, bitter tears. 



Full soon along the eastern sky 

Shall come the golden morning light, 
And another day shall brighten, 

Triumphant o'er the reign of night. 
So let us live that when 'tis gone, 

And doth fade its latest ray, 
Approving conscience shall reward us, 

And heaven's smile rest on our way. 



WHO'LL BE A FRIEND TO ME? 



Amid the checkered scenes of life. 
Of calm repose or raging strife. 

Of sadness or of glee — 
When pleasure's wreath is o'er me thrown. 
Or when my heart is sad and lone. 

Who'll be a friend to me ? 



Who with friendship, fond and true. 
My path of life will gladly strew 

With flowers sweet and rare; 
And when all others turn aside 
With looks of coldness and of pride. 

Will ever prove sincere ? 



O, who with sweet and witching power 
Will to life's sad or shining hour 

A rare enchantment lend ? 
Who will my sorrows care to share, 
And e'er entitled be to bear 

The hallowed name of friend. 



G4 Who'll Be A Friend To Me? 



Whose loving word and gentle smile. 
Will every passing day beguile 

With dearest joys below ? 
And when dark, gloomy clouds arise. 
Will point me still to smiling skies — 

The silver linino: show ? 



Who my halting feet will guide 
Through whatever may betide, 

In this cold world of care ? 
Who will lead me in the right, 
O'er smiling valleys, fair and bright, 

Or deserts dark and drear ? 



And when life's close at length draws near, 
O ! who will be the loved one dear 

Shall then sad vigils keep ? 
Who will receive my parting sighs, 
O ! who will close my weary eyes 

In death's long, dreamless sleep ? 



THE MEETING OF THE YEARS. 



Another year has run its course. 
And having- filled its mission here. 
Hath sunk to its eternal sleep 
With all the countless years 
Beyond the flood. Its days and weeks 
Are lyiny- cold and still 
Along the path of time. They all 
Have filled their places in the line 
And passed forevermore away. 
The records they have borne of us 
Must stand unchanged. The worthy deeds. 
If any such there were, with joy 
May be reviewed; the wrong shall mar 
Our future happiness, unless 
The bitter tears of penitence 
Shall fall upon the crimson stains of sin 
And wash them out forever. 



GG The Meeting of the Years. 



And now 
The glad new year, in bridal lotcs 
Of beauty and of light 
To us hath come. Rich promises 
Fill both its hands, and rosy hopes 
Do cluster "round its brow and cast 
A cheering light along the path 
It here must tread. 

At this auspicious hour — 
This solemn meeting of the years — 
Now when the Old and New have met 
And kissed, and morning stars do sing 
The advent of another year, 
In mercy sent unto our earth, 
'Tis fitting mortal man should pause 
In earnest thought. 

E'en like a dream, 
Or tale that's told, the vanish'd year 
Hath passed away. But while it sped, 
Alternate light and shadow fell 
Athwart our paths, like changeful moods 
Of Aprir day. The sky, at times. 
Did bend in smiles, serenely fair. 
And from its azure depths the sun 
Of prosperous peace shone forth 



The Meeting of the Years. (i7 



With undimmed light; within our hearts 

Song-birds have nestled close 

And waked sw^eet harmonies; flowers 

Around our way have softly shed 

The sweetest odors, and life seemed 

A glorious heritage. Anon 

The clouds of sorrow gathered thick, 

And over all the radiant scene 

Their sombre shadows cast. 

The sky grew black, the cruel winds 

Soughed sadly by, and at their touch 

The flowers of hope and joy grew pale. 

And from our hearts and homes 

The light departed, 

Rich benisons 
Have come to all, and every heart 
Has shared in good. But not alone 
When prosperous gales did fill the sails, 
And the sea was smoothe and calm 
Were precious gifts bestowed. Often 
In deep disguise tha blessing comes. 
In darksome mine the jewel lurks. 
So from the providence that seems 
The most adverse the soul oft gains 
Its richest legacies and plumes its wrings 
To loftiest flight of joy. 



()8 The Meeting Of The Years. 



Before us now 
The new year stands. Its pages fair 
Are all unwritten still. To us 
Doth come the work of penning there 
The record of our lives. Our thoughts, 
Our words and deeds shall make 
The entries there, as fateful hours 
Speed swiftly by. The past has gone 
Beyond recall. Oh I may we all 
Learn well the lessons it hath left, 
And in the new year's volume fair 
Avoid the blots that mar the old. 
And multiply the worthy deeds 
That have been written there. 



To A BRIDK. 



Fair friend iu summer's golden hours. 
Upon thy bridal eve I'd bring- 
True friendship's votive offering. 
May smiling pleasure's thornless flowers 
E'er strew thy path, as through the bowers 
Of life thou goest; may joy -bells ring 
Within thy heart, and true love fling 

A fadeless radiance o'er life's hours. 
May every star in hope's bright bow. 

That cheers with promise bright, 
E'er in unshadowed beauty glow, 

Till in fruition's fuller light 
It melts away, as on day's brow 
Doth pale the silver stars of night. 



SONG OF THE WIND. 



Gaily and gladly forth I come 
Wandering away from my unseen home 
Flying on pinions, light and free, 
Over the earth and over the sea. 
A thousand freaks I merrily play, 
As I haste along my roving way: 
Whispering amid the forest trees, 
Sighing in the summer breeze, 
Flying on the dashing gale 
Through the flower-scented vale; 
Through the bustling city street. 
Over the country, fair and sweet. 
Dancing o'er the green-clad hills. 
Wreathing with curls the silver rills, 
Bowing the heads of golden grain, 
As freely I wander o'er the plain; 
Playing a merty hide-and-seek 
With blushes on the maiden's cheek, 
As 'neath my kiss they come and go. 
Tossing her curls from brow of snow, 



Song of the Wind. 71 



Snatching soft rose-leaves from the stem. 
With breezy fingers carrying them, 
Tossing them about in merry play. 
Till tired I grow, then flying away. 
Catching the kite of the playful boy. 
Filling his little heart with joy. 
Driving the clouds in gladsome glee. 
Chasing their shadows o'er the lea, • 
Sipping bright dewdrops on the heath, 
With fragant flowers scenting my breath. 
Dancing o'er the river's breast. 
Lashing its waves to wild unrest. 
Thus freely I wander where I will. 
With none to curb or to keep me still. 
Now rushing in wildest fury along. 
Now soft as the close of vesper song. 
Now sad as the wail of dark despair. 
Now joyous and gay as a Highland air. 
Unfettered I go o'er brakes and bowers. 
O'er northern snows and southern flowers: 
On viewless wings I come and I go. 
So my fairy home seek not to know. 
My dwelling-place you never can find. 
For none have seen the roving wind. 



WHEN THOU ART NEAR. 



When thou art neai , o'er all my soul 
A sparkling stream of joy is poured; 

The fleeting moments as they roll. 

Are each with truest pleasures stored, 
When thou art near. 

When thou art near, no shade of sadness 
Can ever fall from sorrow's wing; 

Its sweetest songs of joy and gladness 
My happy heart doth ever sing, 

When thou art near. 

When thou art near, not e'en one thought 
In quest of good doth wish to roam; 

It seems to me the world hath brought 
Its choicest treasures to my home. 

When thou art near. 

When thou art near I seem to know 
All of sweet bliss the world can hold; 

My life is wreathed with pleasure's glow, 
With truest happiness untold, 

When thou art near. 



THE TEMPERANCE BANNER, 



Unfurl the temperance banner. 

And let it proudly wave, 
O'er hilltop and in valley, 

From rum's dark curse to save, 
Bid tempted youth and manhood 

Beneath its folds to haste, 
If they the drunkard's sorrow 

And shame would never taste. 



Unfurl the temperance banner, 

With bright hopes blazoned o'er. 
Sad hearts, long sunk in darkness, 

Rejoice in hope once more; 
The claims of truth and duty. 

And precious joys of home, 
Grow strong with love and beauty 

Wherever it doth come. 



The Temperance Banner. 



Unfurl the temperance banner. 

And bear it bravely on, 
With dauntless hope and courage. 

Till victory is won; 
Unfurl the temperance banner, 

With earnest song- and prayer, 
And in its spotless beauty, 

'Twill triumph everywhere. 



A WISH FOR THEE. 



lu life's bright morn, when the rosy glow 

Of youth upon thy path appears, 
And smiling hope's bright, beauteous bow 

Doth sweetly span the coming years; 
When life is like a merry song, 
And 'round thy pathway thickly throng 

Sweet pleasures rich and rare. 
May smiling skies e'er bend above thee. 
And faithful friends who fondly love thee, 
Thy spirit sweetly cheer. 



When life's noontide sun is beaming 
In bright effulgence o'er thy way, 

And thou, past the age of dreaming. 
Art nobly mingling in its fra}', 

When 'mid the scenes of human life, 

Of active duties, toils and strife, 
Thy portion thou dost bear, 



76 A Wish fjr The:*: 



May smiling skies e'er bend above thee. 
And faithful friends who fondly love the^ 
Thy spirit sweetly cheer. 



And when the shades of closing life 

Are o'er thy pathway thickly cast, 
When youthful hopes and manhood strife 

Are garnered with the mighty past; 
When life's curfew bell is ringing, 
And each feeble breath is bringing 

The last, sad parting here, 
May smiling skies e'er bend above thee. 
And faithful friends who fondly love thee, 
Thy spirit sweetly cheer. 



LONGING FOR MAY. 



While winter vlid linger, bleak and cold. 

With sullen clouds, 'neath a scowling sky. 
And icy storms swept the frozen wold. 

As the dull, dark days crept slowly by, 
A dear one asked, at that season drear. 

As her spirit longed for spring-time bloom, 
Its song of birds and its balmy air: 

"Will the beautiful Mav ever come ? "" 



Oh I often above life's pathway here 

Are sullen clouds and a scowling sky. 
The hard, selfish world is cold and drear. 

And trouble-filled hours creep slowly by 
As amid the shadow^s within — without — 

Saddened in heart and lonely in home. 
We ask w4th commingled hope and doubt: 

" Will the beautiful Mav ever come ? " 



78 Longing for May. 



Gone will be winter, in season due, 

Soon sullen clouds will all take their flight, 
And the scowling skies grow soft and blue. 

When the springtime conieth, fair and bright; 
But the storm and the cloud come not in vain, 

And the dull, dark days, that cresp away, 
If rightly improved, will bring us gain 

Of light and joy in beautiful May. 



The fair, gentle one whose heart longed so 

For beautiful May again to come, 
Was borne by the angels years ago 

Unto a fairer and better home; 
No sullen clouds and no scowling sky 

Doth dim the light of heaven's sweet day, 
But joy-wreathed hours pass endlessly by. 

And all the year is beautiful May. 



THE RETURN OF SPRING. 



Cold-winter's reign at length is o'er. 
And all his power is gone, 

His frosty mace turns to a rose. 
As young spring takes the throne. 

With sunny smiles she waves her hand 
O'er hills and valleys green. 

While flowers' bloom and zephyrs* song- 
Proclaim the lovely queen. 



Her gentle voice is gladly heard 

Where turtle-doves do coo. 
And in the leafy bowers o'erhead. 

With songs the robins woo. 
'Mid meads and gardens, perfume-laden. 

Trill anthems through the grove; 
O'er beds of bud, and spray and blossom. 

The balmy breezes rove. 



8v) The Return ov SpKr^G. 



The babbling brooks, with limpid sou^. 

From icy fetters free, 
Now ripple joyously along. 

In melody and glee; 
The forest dons green garbs anew, 

Fresh robes the hilltops wear, 
And daisied dingles smile to greet 

The young queen of the year. 

The opening flowers now freshly bloom, 

With beauty bright and gay. 
And strolling zephyrs proudly bear 

Sweet perfumes all the day. 
O, winter 's gone and none will grieve. 

For spring is with us now, 
Let every heart a chaplet weave, 

To wreathe her virgin brow. 



EPITHALAMIUM. 



"Tis thy bridal eve, aud a radiant gem 
Is set for thee now in life's diadem, 
A solemn hour that life's stages divides — 
A sentiment into a sacrament glides I 
'Tis a fitting hour love's promise to plight. 
When stars twinkle out on the brow of the night 
At the calm, holy hour when curfew bells chime 
And life seems set to a musical rhyme. 



Thou art leaving us now, but hope's brilliant ray 
Doth brightly illumine thy future's fair day. 
And love's sweet trustfulness, unshadowed and 

bright, 
Makes thy pathway all agleam with beauty and 

light. 
We would not detain thee, or mingle a tear 
In the cup of thy gladness, so sparkling and 

clear, 
Aud yet a touch of deep sadness doth steal 
About our hearts 'mid the joy that we feel. 



82 Epithalamium, 



Thou art leaving the home where so long thou 

hast dwelt, 
And the altar at which so oft thou hast knelt, 
A fond mother's love, a kind father's care. 
Oh, may they by contrast seem never more dear ! 
Fond brothers and sisters, who've encircled thy 

way 
With garlands of love which can never decay, 
And dear happy scenes as joy-freighed years 
Flew swiftly away with their hopes and their 

fears. 

Thou art leaving us now and the joyous band 
That in the dear by-gone did hopefully stand 
On childhood's bright plain is broken once more, 
Ah, those ranks upon earth shall be full never- 
more ! 
Oh, true, loving hearts with sorrow sincere, 
Shall sigh for thy wonted companionship here, 
While memory sweet, in garments of light. 
Will sing of the past and mourn o'er its flight. 

With gladness we think that the hour will come 
When thou shalt return to thy childhood's glad 

home, 
Shalt wander again, as in bright days of yore. 
And list to its song by the brook's grassy shore, 



Epithalamium. 83 



Shalt pause with full heart aud muse on the 

scene 
Of tasks and of plays at old "Willow Green:" 
Shalt gather wild flowers within shady grove, 
And revisit the haunts we ever did love. 



'Tis thy bridal eve. May this hour so bright, 
A prelude prove to a song more blithe, 
And the blossoms of joy that now brighth'^ glow, 
No withering blight in coming days know I 
Peace ever attend thee, whatever the way 
Thy footsteps shall tread in life's future day. 
And all that is best by our Father in Heaven 
To thee in His goodness be constantly given I 



PRECIOUS GIFTS. 



How sweet and precious are the gifts 

The Saviour doth bestow I 
More precious far than gems or gold, 

Or aught that earth can show. 



Joy, love and peace He freely gives 
To those who heed His word. 

While purity and heaven await 
Those who obey the Lord. 



Oh I may these gifts of Christ, our Lord, 

Inspire us all to give 
The service of our lives to Him, 

In whom alone we live. 



Here for His rich and precious gifts 
Our grateful songs shall rise, 

Until we sing, in glory given, 
His praises in the skies. 



WITHERED ROSES. 



Through the woodlands, 'mid the meadows, 

And o'er the breezy hills — 
In gardens fair, 'neath cottage eaves, 

Beside bright rippling rills — 
Where'er the beauteous flowers bloomed. 

Through summer's sunny day, 
The frost-king passed, and in his path 

Pale, withered roses lay. 



The curse that fell, when time was new. 

On Eden's lovely bowers. 
Yet lingers over all the earth. 

And blights its fairest flowers; 
So, too, in every human heart 

Dead, withered roses lay, 
And sadly rustle whene'er stirred 

By the breath of memory. 



Withered Roses. 



The sunny hours of childhood's day, 

And youth so fair and bright, 
With beaming skies and balmy air, 

Have gone in rapid flight; 
But many hopes which cheered the heart, 

Bloomed but to fade away, 
And 'long the pathway of the years 

Dead, withered roses lay. 



Hearts we have loved have ceaeed to beat, 

Hands we have clasped, grown cold, 
Lips we have kissed are mute and still 

Beneath the churchyard mold ! 
In sorrow dark the spirit kneels. 

With piteous sigh and moan. 
By tear- wet graves in lonely hearts, 

With withered roses strewn. 



'Though wealth and pleasure hold gay court 

And cheat the heart awhile 
With pleasure's counterfeit, and seem 

Blest with earth's fairest smile, 
Yet when the song and dance are done, 

Beneath the outward sheen 
Of festal joy and careless mirth 

Are withered roses seen. 



Withered Rosses. 



Where'er a human foot hath trod. 

By mountain, vale or stream. 
Where'er a human heart hath loved, 

And dreamed hope's syren dream. 
In every state — in every age — 

'Mid poor and rich, 'mid low and high. 
Sad hearts are often called to weep 

Where withered roses lie. 



But there's a fairer, better land, 

Beyond death's chilly river, 
Where friend meets friend in perfect love, 

To live in joy forever. 
There no sorrow e'er shall come. 

No sin — no curse — no care — 
No farewell tears — no breaking hearts — 

No withered roses there. 



A PARTING RHYME. 



Farewell, our joyous, sparkling friend I 
As hence thy homeward footsteps trend, 
No shadows of the summer flown 
Now be on memory's canvas thrown; 
In radiant light may all appear, 
E'en as its noontide sunshine clear, 
Pleasing for many a future year. 
Cull from life's stores and closely bind 
All precious gems on heart and mind. 
Mingling in scenes all bright and gay, 
Pause oft to think: "These pass away." 
Be bright, be joyous, yet be true 
E'er to thyself; life's duty do; 
Live to good purpose and thus shed 
Light o'er the path thy feet shall tread. 



START NOW. 



Would you gather wealth and fame ? 

Start now. 
Would you win an honored name ? 

Start now. 
Would you live a worthy life, 
With noble words and actions rife, 
Augmenting peace, allaying strife ? 

Start now. 



Would you cease from wrong and sin ? 

Start now. 
Would you be pure and clean within ? 

Start now. 
Sin is deceitful and a snare, 
Oh, of its dreadful power beware I 
To overcome by faith aud prayer, 

Start now. 



!)0 Start Now, 



Time is going, ne'er returning^ 

Start now. 
Go ever forwcird, working, learning. 

Start now; 
Impi'ove each season as it flies, 
Perform life's duties as they rise; 
To bless the earth and reach the skies, 

Start now. 



THE BROOKLET SA^G OF LOVE. 



Autumn's rich sunlight filled the land 

With softeiied beauty bright, 
And wove for every hill and dell 

Rare robes of golden light, 
When with the dearest one of earth, 

In gladness I did rove, 
Where sunbeams waltzed within the vale. 

And the brooklet sang of love. 



She was as lovely as sweet flowers 

That proudly kissed her feet, 
And cheering as the bright sunshine 

That smiled her face to greet; 
As graceful as the whispering weaves 

That did in music move 
Along their singing, shining way, 

Where the brooklet sang of love. 



02 The Brooklet Sang of Love. 



A brighter gleam and fairer face 

The waters seem to wear, 
A richer gush of melody 

To fling upon the air, 
The while she sat with gentle grace, 

Within the green alcove, 
Upon the moss-embroidered rock, 

Where the brooklet sang of love. 

Long, lonely years had crept away, 

Since last we had clasp 'd hands, 
Yet absence held no potent power 

To break affection's bands; 
It only made our love more deep. 

The fond ties closer wove, 
As well we proved with happy hearts, 

Where the brooklet sang of love. 



The sunshine wandered from the skies 

And rested on our souls, 
As we stroll'd that rose-wreath'd eve, 

Where the shining streamlet rolls 
Its limpid silver 'mid the grass 

That carpeted the grove. 
And our fond hearts chimed with its song 

When the brooklet sang of love. 



The Brooklet Bang of Love. 9:3 



Cold winter's icy hand may bind 

With crystal chains the riJl, 
May smoothe the dimples from its face, 

Its merry anthems still, 
Yet throughout life's on-passing years, 

Whatever they may prove, 
Our love shall be as fond as when 

The brooklet sang: of love. 



Bright angels guard my precious one 

From every earthly ill. 
E'er lead her steps thro' pastures green, 

By waters calm and still; ' 
May truest peace live in her heart. 

Wherever she may rove, 
And bright-faced joy sing 'round her path 

While the brooklet sings of love. 



SONG OF THE HOURS. 



We come from our home beyond the blue sky, 

And over the beautiful earth we do fly; 

We come when the sun with glance fair and 

bright 
Disperses the gloom and the darkness of night; 
We come when the noon with brilliancy crown'd, 
Scatters garlands of light and of beauty around; 
We come when the shadows of twilight do fall, 
And when robes of silver the stars cast o'er all; 
And 'tis for thee, mortals, we come and we go. 
And our coming and going marks your lifetime 

below. 

With hands full of gifts and lips full of song, 
We scatter rich blessings thy pathway along. 
Although dark shadows we sometimes do fling, 
Yet oftener far bright sunshine we bring; 
We give to thee friends, thy sojourn to cheer, 
Sweet love, fame and honor we often bring near. 
When dark troubles gather, our passage gives 

hope 
That the wine of sweet joy will soon fill up 

life's cup. 



Song of the Hours 95 



O, look thee about thee, which doth outweigh 
The gleaming- or gloaming of life's earthly day ? 

We linger not long, and the flight of each one 
Brings nearer the time when life shall be done. 
For while thou dost doubt, resolve and delay, 
On footsteps unceasing we are gliding away. 
Take heed of our passing, to thee we are given 
As seasons in which to prepare thee for heaven. 
Go forth unto duty, be fearless and strong, 
Make thy presence a blessing, thy life-scroll a 

song, 
And so spend us all. that in bright, blissful 

bowers. 
Ye ne'er shall regret the flight of life's hours. 



OUR BIRDLINGS. 



We watched their wooing in spring-time sweet, 

And the little home-nest builded with care, 
Where wistaria and woodbine meet, 

A screen from rain and the sun's bright glare; 
We saw little mouths that opened wide 

For food that the busy mother brought, 
We heard her sweet chirp of love and pride — 

How like to our human kind, we thought. 



But the nest is empty; this fair, bright day 

The little wings were first plumed for flight. 
And under parental guidance away 

They gracefully flitted out of sight. 
Perhaps when the twilight again doth come, 

And the tender pinions needeth rest. 
Again will they seek their vine-clad home. 

And go to sleep in the old home-nest. 



BORNE AWAY. 



Samuel Gold, February 21st, 1891, 
Mrs. Jane Gold, March 4th, 1891. 



The current of the years 

Flows ever on and on. 
And bears beyond our sight 

Our loved ones, one by one; 
An only brother's form 

Late vanished from our view, 
And now so soon we mourn 

An aged mother, too. 



For fourscore years and eight 

She trod life's checkered way 
Of mingled light and shade 

That forms our earthly day. 
How short her long life seems 

Now that she has passed o'er 
The stream of mortal life 

Unto the unseen shore I 



98 Borne Away. 



Into her open g^rave, 

The pure, soft snowflakes fell, 
And by their beauty bright 

Of fairer worlds did tell; 
A covering for earth's stains, 

They silently float down, 
E'en as Our Father's love 

Doth all His creatures crown. 



A spotless, snowy robe 

Upon her grave is seen. 
And 'mid its soft, white folds 

A cross of evergreen; 
They point us to the land 

That endless life doth know, 
And the saved soul shall be 

E'en whiter than the snow. 



The current of the years 

Flows ever on and on. 
And soon we shall be called 

To join our loved ones gone. 
Oh ! may we all meet in 

A fairer, better land, 
And there live evermore, 

A glad, unbroken band. 



Borne Away. vm.) 



Bear friend and brother, fare-thee-well ! 

We lay thee to thy dreamless rest 
In hopeful trust, until we, too. 

O'er death's dark river shall have passed 

Unto the other shore, 
There to meet with joy again, 
Beyond the reach of sin and pain, 
And live forevermore. 



ON RECEIVING A BOQUET- 



Thanks for the lovely gift— 
A beauteous offering, fair and bright, 
Of mingled crimson, green and white, 
A graceful coronal of light, 

And heart of flame; 
In perfumed garments, tinted by 
The matchless artist of the sky. 

It to me came. 
Sweet children of the sun and showers, 

Bright idols of the breeze. 
Fond nature's smiles, the lovely flowers 

Our outward senses please. 
And unto things bright, beautiful and true, 
With fragrant whispers, they do sweetly wop 
Us e'er our hearts to lift. 



A SUMMER SUNSET. 



The day-king is bidding his golden good-night 
From the old North mountain, so lovely and 

green, 
Where the myrtle and fern, the pine and the oak 
In bright summer robes of beauty are seen; 
His face is half -hidden behind the tall form 
Of the mountain-top, tipped with green fringe, 
On which the day-time and night-time appeared 
To the fancy of childhood to hinge. 



The clouds lose their lustre, their beauty is gone, 
To cloud, to hill-top, to green, grassy dell, 
Now dimmed and shaded by fast coming night, 
The fleeting sunbeams have whispered Farewell. 
The bright, rosy west is blushing with joy 
To welcome day's radiant king to his rest, 
To a purple couch and pillows of gold, 
He sinks through the bright amethyst; 



102 A Summer Sunset. 



The birds have now sought their zephyr-sway'd 
nests, 

Their vesper song closed with the fading sun- 
beam, 

With little heads tucked under bright-colored 
wings, 

They are dreaming, no doubt, seme bonny bird- 
dream; 

The beautiful flowers have bowed their sweet 
heads, 

And are peacefully sleeping on their slight stems, 

While soft, shining dewdrops sweet pearls of 
the eve. 

Shall glisten and crown with bright diadems. 



The village is quiet and tranquil and still, 
The turmoil of day has sunk to a calm. 
No boisterous mirth, or shouting, or strife 
Disturbs the sweetness of day's closing psalm; 
One bright little star, the first of its train, 
Gleams out on the sky, a soft, mellow light. 
And shows that the beautiful daylight has gone, 
And around us has fallen the sweet summer 
night. 



DEDICATION HYMN. 



New Presbyterian Church, Gerardstown, W. Va, 
August i;5th, 1893. 



God of our fathers and our God, 
Our hands have built this new abode, 
And give to Thee, with praise and prayer, 
Who long hast had a temple here. 
We come unto this altar place 
Rejoicing in Thy constant grace; 
Oh I let Thy loving favor rest 
Upon this house and make it blest. 



Within these courts may Thy pure truth 
Be learned and loved by age and youth; 
Here may the sad and sinful find 
Pardon and joy and peace of mind. 
Thy saints with living bread be fed. 
And all in righteous paths be led; 
With good the people satisfied, 
And Thy great name be glorified. 



lO-t Dedication Hymn. 



As here we meet may each one be 
Fitted to serve and worship Thee, 
And hence afar to men below 
Glad streams of full salvation flow. 
Come, Triune God, with us abide, 
Be Thou our strength, our joy, our guide; 
Come, make this house Thine own abode, 
God of our fathers and our God. 



TO MY SISTER. 



Dear Sister mine, a wreath I'd twine 

Of poesy's fair flowers for thee, 
For love as pure as thine, I'm sure, 

Such tribute well may claim from me; 
I hope 'twill prove that though I rove 

Far from my boyhood's cherished home. 
That oft sweet thought with pleasure fraught. 

Of thee doth to my bosom come. 



When in sad death a mother's breath 

One summer day grew still fore'er. 
Thou then didst take, for her dear sake, 

A little child in love to rear; 
Full well hast thou fulfilled the vow 

Unto that dying mother given, 
And oft has she since then on thee 

Approving smiled methinks from heaven. 



106. To My Sister. 



With earnest love, like hers above, 

Her wishes thou didst e'er fulfil, 
With watchful care that child to rear 

To love th9 g-Qod and shuu the ill; 
And here today, thoug'h far away, 

He in this little song I sing. 
With fond delight a tribute slight 

Of gratitude to thee would bring. 



Thy footsteps now have passed the brow 

Of life's hill and doth tend down 
Unto the tide that doth divide 

The Christian's conflicts and the crown; 
As years increase, may joy and peace 

E'er unto thee be multiplied. 
Life's sweetest flowers wreathe all thy hours, 

And blessings fall on every side. 



And when at last we shall have psssed 

Across death's dark and chilly river, 
Oh ! may we rest among the blest. 

Out in the unseen great forever. 
Where ne'er again come grief or pain, 

But all is endless joy and love. 
In the abode of Christ, our God, 

And angels bright and saints above. 



THE MAIDEN WHOM 1 LOVE. 



When the bright and beaming morning, 
Like a bride in rich adorning, 
From its oriental home 
With shining golden steps doth come, 
When the lark at dawn doth rise 
To greet the sunbeams in the skies, 
Then my thoughts do gladly rove 
To the maiden whom I love. 



When the quiet twilight hour, 
With a gentle, soothing power, 
Steals softly o'er the quiet earth, 
Giving to nobler thoughts a birth; 
When the curfew's silver chime 
Marks the pleasant evening time, 
Then my thoughts do fondly rove 
To the maiden whom 1 love. 



108 The Maiden Whom I Lov.-?:. 



When the busy world is sleeping. 

And bright stars their watch are keeping', 

When the moon with silver ray 

Sails proudly on her nightly way. 

When the dews in pearly showers 

Do gently kiss the sleeping flowers. 

Then in dreams of joy I rove 

To the maiden whom I love. 



Where'er on earth iiiy steps are roving. 
And whatever life is proving, 
When dark sorrows thickly fall, 
Or joy's sunlight gladdens all, 
Sweet thoughts of her on me bestow 
The dearest pleasures earth doth know, 
And my fond heart, where'er I rove, 
Turns to the maiden whom I love. 



THE ROBES NOW ARE BLOOMING. 



The roses now are blooming 
In beauty rich and rare, 

With fragrance sweet perfuming 
The ambient summer air; 

The joyous birds are singing 
Glad songs of merry glee, 

And balmy winds are bringing' 
Soft whispers o'er the lea* 



Deep azure skies are bending 

In beauty bright overhead, 
While on the earth descending 

The rosy light is shed. 
Around me now and above 

Rare beauty do I see. 
All telling Our Father's love 

For creatures such as we. 



110 The Roses Now Are Blooming. 



My soul drinks in the beauty 

Of this lovely summer morn. 
And new strength for life's duty 

Seems of its influence born. 
How kind is gracious heaven 

To us, poor, sinful worms. 
That has of beauty given 

So many pleasing forms ! 



But lovelier far than roses 

That sweetly scent the air, 
Or beauty that discloses 

From azure skies so fair, 
Are human hearts e'er breathing 

True love to God and man, 
And who with joy are wreathing 

Life's brief and fleeting span. 



The roses sweet will wither 

And shortly fade from sight, 
The warbling song-birds thither 

From us will wing their flight. 
The beauteous sky will roll 

Together in that day 
When like a burning scroll 

The earth shall pass away. 



The Roses Now Are Blooming. Ill 



But loving hearts that greet us 

With gladness here below, 
Through faith and love may meet us 

Where fadeless flowers grow. 
And dearest joys they've given 

Upon earth's sinful shore, 
Shall sweeter prove in heaven 

And bloom forevermore. 



AT EASTER-TIDE. 



In grateful songs of joy and praise 

Our hearts and voices blend 
To celebrate the matchless love 

Of that Almighty Friend 
Who laid His life down for our sakes, 

And took it up again, 
That we by Him might conquer death, 

With Him in glory reign. 



No power of death could hold Him down, 

He triumphed o'er the grave. 
And ever lives in changeless love, 

His trusting ones to save. 
Oh I that all hearts would yield to Him, 

In hopeful faith and love. 
Rise from the death of sin and shame. 
And live with Him above. 



A MORNING RAMBLE. 



The moru was bright and very fair, 
With glittering jewels in her hair, 
Around her waist a diarooud belt. 
While at her feet the night-shades knelt 
Her tuneful lyres were sweetly playing 
Greetings to the zephyrs straying, 
And from their dewy, sweet repose 
Awoke the lilv and the rose. 



Along the margin of a lake, 
Where silver waves in music break, 
And the sunbeams bright are seen 
Dancing o'er the limpid sheen. 
Kissing its up-turned face so bright. 
And breezes dimple with footsteps light. 
In their merry morning play, 
I took my joyous, strolling way. 



IM A MouNiNG Ramele. 



I wandered o'er the purple heather. 
Where the sunbeams love to gather. 
There to spend the summer hours 
Sporting with the fragrant flowers; 
Where the balmy breeze was sighing. 
With the golden sunbeam vieing 
For the happiness to sip 
The dewdrop from the daisy's lip. 



At length I gained the mDuiitain's brow, 
All bathed in morning's roseate glow, 
While far beneath me, on each side, 
Lay lovely landscapes in their pride; 
Distant hilltops robed in green, 
With flashing silver streams between, 
And woodlands wherein song-birds sweet 
The rising day with music greet. 



Again with musing step and slow 
I sought the charming vale below. 
Strolling the darkened paths along, 
Listening to the wild-bird's song, 
As from some lofty, leafy tree 
He trilled his matin song of glee, 
Making the echos ring again 
With his wild, impassioned strain. 



A MoiiNiNG Eamble. 115 



I saw upon the mountain side. 

A cold and cheerless rock beside, 

As 'twould o'er it sweet fragrance shed, 

A blcoming flower rear its head. 

"Its eoft and scented leaves did cling 

Unto the rock as a living thing. 

As though it would with sweetness rare 

That darkened wilderness e'en cheer. 



I plucked the flower but still there hung 

A fragrance 'round the rock that clung 

As if it did in sadness grieve 

Its wild but native place to leave, 

As with the rock 'twould gladly share 

The cold abode, the home so drear. 

And o'er its rough and barren head 

Its sweet perfume and beauty shed. 



'Tis eo I thought with human hearts I 
The hardest one in mammon's marts 
May have some clinging human flower 
To cheer and bless life's lonely hour; 
To win it back from pride and pelf. 
And make it like its own sweet self. 
The flower may die, but the impress made 
Can never whollv from it fade. 



IHJ A Morning Ramble. 



On viewless pinions swiftly borne, 
From earth soon passed that summer morn, 
But the little flower I have it still, 
And it doth hold a power to thrill 
With memories sweet that ne'er can die. 
Although its faded leaves are dry, 
But like the scent it doth impart, 
Shall linger sweetly about my heart. 



AN EVENING STROLL. 



Through the meadows robed in green, 
Beside the brooks's bright, glistening sheell, 
We wandered when the closing day 
Cast over earth its parting ray. 
And peace on dell and green hill-crest 
Did like a benediction rest. 



With earnest words or playful jest 

We strolled along or paused to rest 

Where the quiet waters glide 

In a calm and placid tide, ^ 

Or merry ripples sing the song 

Of gladness they have known so long. 



Dark clouds came drifting o'er the sky 
And hid the blue dome from the eye; 
So oft o'er hearts come grief and care, 
Yet we know the blue dome is there, 
And that in beauty fair and bright, 
Tomorrow it may cheer our sight. 



llg An Evening Stroll. 



'Twas the same stream by which I played 
In childhood's day, through grassy glade. 
With merry boys who now are men, 
With girls as lovely now as then. 
How fair each by-gone scene appears^ 
Seen through the vista of the years ! 

How brightly did the waters gleam, 

How cool and sweet their shores did seem. 

As through the sultry summer day 

It wooed from irksome tasks away 

The weary, pent-up pupils seen 

In school-room walls at "Willow Green.'' 

We tossed dull, dog-eared books aside, 
When school was out, and gaily hied 
To merry games, as "Fox and Hounds," 
"Open the gates," and "Clear the Grounds," 
"Town Ball," "Steal Clothes," "Hide and 

Seek," 
Along the banks of old Mill Creek. 

Long years have come and years have gone, 
But still the laughing waves flow on; 
And years will come and years will go. 
And still the brook will onward flow. 
In beauty bright, though smiles or tears 
Be woven with the passing years. 



An Evening STnox,"L. ll'D 



The waters run to reach the &ea. 
The years drift to eternity I 
But when is dry the rippling rilL 
And earthly years fore'er stand still, 
JVIay we all meet and pure joy know 
Where streams of living: waters flow. 



A NUPTIAL WISH, 



Calm be the waters — propitious the breeze 

That wafts thy life-barque forth over the seas; 

The pilot be Truth — the cargo be peace, 

Love, faith and gladness that never shall cease; 

And when the voyage all safely is passed. 

In the harbor of heaven may the anchor be cast. 



TO M . 

'Mid a rosebud's perfumed heart 
A dewdrop brig-ht one morn did lie, 
Gleaming like a tear just wept 
Glittering from a Peri's eye; 
It cheered the thirsty, drooping flower 
E'en with a sweet, refreshing power. 
Gentle words and deeds of thine 
Oft on my weary heart have lain. 
Like that dewdrop on the flower. 
Dispelling sadness, care and pain. 



TO A YOUNG GRADUATE. 



To-day you reach the glowing height 

Towards which foud hopes so long have 
turned, 
And grasp, as by a victor's right. 

The prize by faithful efforts earned. 
True, loving friends rejoice to share 

The joy that in thy bosom glows, 
And note the honors which declare 

Thy school-life's glad, triumphant close. 



But think not that thy work is done, 

Now that fair school-girl days are o'er. 
Life's earnest work is just begun. 

Its burden lieth yet before; 
Those youthful days that sped along, 

With eager plans and studies rife. 
Were but the prelude to life's song, 

And but the arming for its strife. 



122 The Death of Day. 



The beautiful day is dying, 

And no mortal power can give 
Its jeweled hours back unto earth, 

Or cause it again to live; 
Its golden moments, improved or not, 

No more return; 
Well should we heed their rapid flight, 
Their lessons learn. 



The beautiful day is dying — 

'Tis now memory's favorite time 
To roam green fields of pleasures past, 

Joy's long-hushed bells to chime;; 
Now vanished scenes, too bright to last, 

To new life start. 
And friends we loved in the long ago 
Stroll through the heart. 



The beautiful day is dying — 

Oh ! hallowed is the hour. 
As shadows fall from day's death-bed. 

With a sweetly solemn power, 
About the heart; and thoughts too dear 

For the noon's bright glare. 
Too sacred to meet the harsh world's gaze, 
Our spirits stir. 



The Death of the Day. - 123 



The beautiful day is dying, 

Its record is almost closed, 
Before its Maker's throne 'twill soon 

In truthfulness have deposed 
Concerning the thoughts, words and deeds 

Of men below, 
Casting its weight in the mighty scale 
Of bliss or woe. 



The beautiful day is dying. 

And one more link in the chain 
That binds us all to old time's shore 

Is snapped by its death in twain; . 
So may we live that when every one 

Like it hath flown. 
We'll live in joy where no dying day 
Is ever known. 



128 The Dying Mother to her Child. 



The death-dew now is starting- 
On my brow, 

The last, sad hour of parting- 
Has come now. 

Oh ! do not let it grieve thee, 
Darling, so ! 

My blessing I do give thee, 
Ere I go. 



May friends rise up around thee. 

When I'm gone, 
And purest joys surround thee, 

Precious one; 
May nothing ill betide thee, 

All thy days, 
Our Heavenly Father guide thee 

In His ways. 



Then when on earth are ended 
All grief and pain, 

By angels bright attended. 
We'll meet again; 

And oh ! in bliss forever 
We shall dwell. 

Where naught our lives shall sever- 
Dear, farewell ! 



THE DEATH OF THE DAY. 



The beautiful day is dying. 

On a crimson couch in the west. 
All stained with the life-blood flowing 

From night's deep wound in the breast; 
Dark curtains are drawing closer 

About its bed, 
And shadows grow thicker and denser. 
Till the day is dead. 



The beautiful day is dying, 
And the quiet stars arise, 
To light with their silver lamps 

Its passage into the skies. 
Then o'er its tomb their vigils keep 

Until the morn 
Proclaims unto the waking world 
A new day born. 



126 To A Young' Graduate. 



Life is before thee; may it be 

A growing record, fair and bright, 
Of worthy deeds performed by thee, 

In the great cause of truth and right. 
May coming years, with gladness crowned, 

A rich and precious fruitage bring 
To radiant hopes that all around 

Are now so brightly blossoming. 



THE DYING MOTHER TO HER CHILD. 



The withered leaves are lying 

O'er the lea, 
The autumn breeze is sighing 

Mournfully; 
The meadows now are turning 

Brown and sere, 
My heart is fondly yearning 

O'er thee, dear. 



The summer flowers have faded 

On the stem, 
Thy life will now be shaded, 

Like to them; 
The dead leaves have been falling. 

Day by day, 
Now death's sad voice is calling 

Me away. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



The autumn leaves are falling 

Beneath the frost-king's tread, 
Strewing fair summer's pathway 

To mansions of the dead; 
Their bright, fresh charms have vanished, 

But richer robes they wear. 
As days grow short and chilly, 

And the end of life is near. 



When life's sad autumn cometh, 

And summer days are o'er. 
We like to them shall vanish. 

To live on earth no, more. 
Oh ! then may robes of beauty, 

Fairer than earth can know. 
Be ours in realms of glory, 

Where endless summers glow. 



TRE VIGIL OF THE STARS, 



Mrs. George McKown, December 11th, 1873. 



For the first time the stars look down 

Upon thy new-made grave to-night. 
And gently on the sacred mound 

Doth rest the soft and silvery light. 
'Though wintry winds now wail around, 

A requiem o'er thy last long sleep, 
We fondly deem thy rest less lone. 

While the bright stars their vigils keep. 



In memory's sky the stars of love — 

Sweet, gentle words and deeds of thine- 
Now, through the shadows of the tomb. 

With fairer light and beauty shine; 
Where'er on earth our paths shall lie. 

Whatever sky may bend above, 
Within our hearts can ne'er go down 

The golden stars of thy dear love. 



130 The Vigil of the Stars. 



A.niid the sadness and the grief 

That shrouds life's leaden sky tonight, 
The shining stars of hope beani forth, 

With a cheering, radiant light; 
They point the sorrowing spirit up 

To that bright, beauteous world afar. 
Where thou dost rest in bliss with Him 

Who is "the bright and morning star." 



'Though the bright stars now first look down 

Upon thy new-made grave tonight — 
And 'though on thine and ours may fall 

Through countless years their silvery light , 
When they at length have i:>aled fore'er. 

Our souls may live on that blest shore 
Whose light is th' Lamb — to praise His love, 

And shine as the stars forevermore. 



CHRISTIAN BATTERIES. 



Each Christian church should surely ho 

An active battery in the field. 
Where alcohol's dark hordes we see 

Their dreadful power for evil wield; 
Let pew and pulpit in their might. 

As love of tempted souls inspire, 
March to the thickest of the fight, 

And never be afraid to fire. 



Each Sabbath school within our land 

An active battery should be. 
With faithful strength and courage mann'd, 

To save from rum's dread tyranny: 
Into young hands our country's weal 

Or woe for future years is given. 
Oh I may they fight with valiant zeal 

For the great cause of home and heaven. 



132 Christian Batteries. 



Load up the guns with truth divine — 

With God's own word that standeth sure, 
His warning 'gainst the treacherous wine, 

His blessings to the good and pure; 
With cheer of hope and earnest prayer, 

Send forth the solid shot and shell, 
Till round old Rum's unhonored bier 

We gladly hear his funeral knell. 



Forth to the conflict bravely go. 

Ye soldiers of the Truth and Right, 
And in due time man's deadliest foe 

Must surely yield unto thy might; 
The grog-shop's hosts, though strong and 
great. 

Our country fair no more must rule. 
But find defeat whene'er they meet 

The batteries of Church and School. 



ON THE BRIDGE. 



'Tis the calm hour of evening when sumbearas 

do fly 
Away from the earth and the world becomes still, 
When Luna, the fair faced, ascending on high, 
Doth rise so gracefully up over the hill. 
And bright, twinkling stars from their home in 

the sky, 
Look down and smile at themselves in the rill. 



I am far from the scenes where on pinions so 

light. 
The years of my boyhood fled swiftly along, 
And the springtime of life, all golden and bright, 
Doth seem like a dream or a glad, swelling 

song; 
But Memory, the sweet one, in robes fair and 

bright. 
Now hath borne me once more those dear scenes 

among. 



134 On The Bridge. 



One calm eve like this, ere the last gleam of day 
Its fair flight had taken on wings viewless still, 
AVith a friend of my youth I had wandered away 
To the home of the dead who sleep on the hill, 
And returning we paused, a moment's delay, 
On a low rustic bridge that spans a bright rill. 

The clear, pearly streamlet beneath us did glide. 
With musical murmurs along its fair way. 
And all the glad waves of the bright, silver tide 
Were wreathed with the beauty of evening's 

soft ray. 
While we who had sauntered there side by side, 
Did linger to hear it and see them at play. 

She held in her hand a bright cluster of flowers 
And on the clear waters that sparkled below 
The soft, perfumed leaves in sweet, rosy showers 
With quick, graceful motion did carelessly throw 
And the roses so fair, like life's brightest hours, 
Passed quickly away on the stream's ceaseless 
flow. 

We watched the bright waves, with their soft, 

dimpled hands. 
As they chased each other and hasted along^ 



On The Bridge. 135 



E'er running and falling- all o'er the bright sau Is 
And singing their ceaseless and musical songs, 
'Til their laughter's sweet echos, like magical 

wands j 
Did strike thrilling notes our heart-strings 

among. 



Like the flowers that so long ago she did cast 
Upon the bright tide of that clear, sparkling 

stream. 
Long years with their sunshine and shadows 

have passed, 
But still precious thoughts of my poem's sweet 

theme 
Bright garlands of joy to my heart doth now 

clasp. 
As here at the death of the daylight I dream. 



The scenes of the present all vanish and fly. 
As these memories sweet my spirit doth thrill , 
While Luna, the fair-faced, ascending on high. 
Doth rise all gracefully up over the hill. 
And bright, twinkling stars from their home in 

the sky 
Look down and smile at themselves in the rill. 



THROUGH MEMORY'S HALLS. 



Through Memory's perfumed halls I stray, 
And 'mid the charms that therein lay, 
Forget the conflicts of to-day. 

The fair, sweet light of by-gone years 
Around me falls, and re-appears 
The joy I knew ere I knew tears. 

Within these halls fain would I stay. 
But Duty summons hence away. 
And her command all must obey. 



PASSED AWAY 



'Twas when sweet, guileless flowers, 

Did deck the dell, 
And birds, in leafy bowers, 

Their joy did tell, 
Home to her Saviour God 

Her spirit fled, 
And 'neath the daisied sod 

We made her bed. 



Flora's sweet charms since then 

Have all grown pale. 
In every grassy glen, 

O'er hill and dale; 
The warbling birds have flown 

All far away, 
And autumn leaves have strewn 

A mantle gray 



138 Passed Away. 



Over her grave; the sdow 

Doth lightly rest — 
A spotless robing — now 

Above her breast; 
The wind with mournful tone 

Doth seem to sigh 
That e'en so fair a one 

In death must lie. 



But, though we sadly miss 
Her presence here, 

Our lonely home to bless, 
Our hearts to cheer, 

A little while and we 

Shall meet again, 

When from earth's cares we're free- 
Have crossed life's main. 



A few more summer hours 

To quickly fly, 
A few more beauteous flowers 

To bloom and die; 
A few more joyful lays 

From birds below, 
A few more wintry days 

Of rain and snow; 



Passed Away, 139 



A few more songs to rise 

And charm the ear, 
A few more weary sighs 

To breathe out here, 
A few more hours to grieve, 

A few of mirth, 
And we'll be called to leave 

This changeful earth 



Then if we've lived aright 

While here below. 
Unto a land of light 

With joy we'll go, 
To meet our cherished friends 

Upon that shore 
Where joyful meeting ends, 

Oh, nevermore. 



A STELLAR FANCY. 



'Tis said that when we see a star 
Shooting across the night-sky blue, 

The wish we frame ere it expires 
Is destined to come true. 



I never see a shooting-star 

But that I think, dear one, of thee. 
And from my heart doth leap the prayer 

That thou may est happy be. 



THE BRIDAL. 



Within a village church 

A bridal party stood, 
Young manhood in its prime, 

And gentle maidenhood. 
Many dear friends had come, 

And gladly gathered there, 
As by true nuptial rite 

Young lives were link'd fore'er 



Without, the pure, fresh snow 

O'er field and woodland lay, 
Earth's spotless bridal robe. 

In keeping with the day; 
Within, the pure sweet flowers 

Their cheering beauty shed, 
To fitly grace the scene 

When youthful lovers wed. 



142 The Bridal. 



Soft music's gentle tone 
Stole through the quiet air, 

A fit prelude — inwove 

With solemn vow and prayer 

To sweetest symphony 
•That true love ever gives, 

To mark the rhythmic flow 
Of fond, united lives. 



The fateful words were said, 

'Mid silence deep and still, 
And two young lives were bound 

Henceforth for good or ill; 
Whatever life may bring 

Of joy or weary care. 
They go with hopeful hearts 

In mutual love to share. 



How fair the sacred scene. 

When trustful hearts in youth 
Unto each other pledge 

A life-long love and truth ! 
O, fraught with meanings deep. 

That reach out far and wide. 
Are plighted troths when breath'd 

By bridegroom and by bride. 



The Bridal. ^-^'^ 



The coming years to them 

Shone beautiful and bright, 
As the full-orb'd sun of hope 

Shed forth alluring light; 
But loving hearts were sad, 

And tears they could not hide 
Bespake the pain of parting 

With her, the gentle bride. 



O, happy, proud bridegroom, 

To thee this hour is given 
The most precious prize 

This side a smiling heaven ! 
A woman's trusting heart, 

With all its wealth of love. 
That shall throughout life's day 

Thy richest blessing prove. 



What sacrifices great 

She in this hour doth make 
How much of love and joy 

She leaveth for thy sake \ 
But love for thee doth prove 

Stronger than all beside; 
All weaker ties she breaks 

To be thy cherished bride. 



144 The Bridal. 



The scenes that her yoimg heart 

Hath ever held most dear; 
Her sunny childhood's home, 

Its ceaseless love and care; 
Her kindred and fond friends, 

Whose truth long years have shown, 
All — all she leaveth now 

To go with thee alone. 



Across life's pathway here 

Dark shadows often fall. 
And e'en earth's happiest pair 

May not escape them all; 
But faithful love and hope 

Doth still shine clear and bright, 
And gild the darkest hours 

With beams of golden light. 



O, wedded ones, to whom 

The future now doth seem 
A path with flowers abloom 

Along joy's sparkling stream. 
May skies be bright above, 

And earth be fair below. 
With all of truest good 

That human hearts may know. 



THE DEATH OF SUMMER. 



The bright, sunny summer is over. 

Its glad, golden days have all fled, 
And the beauteous bloom of the year 

Lies faded and withered and dead. 



'Mid music and fragrance and beauty 
Its bright days sped over the land, 

And dropp'd in the sea of the Vanished, 
Like gems from a diamond strand. 



Rich blessings the Summer did lavish 
On these earthly pathways of ours — 

Gladness as bright as its sunshine, 
And joys as sweet as its flowers. 



14<j The Death of Summer. 



n^lad meetings with friends fondly loved 
Have cheered and blest the bright day; 

And hearts have saddened as dear ones 
Were called from our presence away. 

Bright hopes have arisen within us, 
And like stars that never go down, 

Will cheer us till fullest fruition 
Our worthy endeavors shall crown. 



Heart-shadows of sorrow and sadness, 
Have hidden at times the blue skies, 

But oft like storm-clouds of summer, 
They were blessings come in disguise. 



In white bridal robes to the altar — 
In funereal garb to the tomb, 

The children of men were oft called 
To pass in deep gladness and gloom. 



A changeful and varied freightage 
Of laughter and weeping and song, 

Came to us while beautiful Summer 
Swept in perfumed garments along. 



The Death of Summer. U7 



Xow the sweet and radiant Summer 
Hath passed like a vision away; 

And the low, sad winds of autumn 
Seem sighing its dirges to-day. 



When life's earthly summer is o'er. 
And cold 'neath death's frost we do lie, 

May our spirits hask in the glory 
Of perennial summer on high. 



TO MY AVIFE. 



On footsteps uns en the years come and go, 
With summers of bloom and winters of snow, 
And each as it went has taught me to see 
New beauties that bind my heart unto thee. 



Dark sorrows we've shared, bright joys we have 

known, 
In the year that now to the past hath flown; 
But shadows are gone and joys re-appear, 
As we muse to-night of the vanished year. 



We're passing along o'er life's checkered way— 
O'er its verdant meads and its mountains gray; 
Together we go, rejoicing to share 
The pleasures and cares befalling us here. 



May coming years, as they go fleeting along, 
Be wreathed with beauty and vocal with song; 
Their summers of bloom and winters of snow 
Eve» new blessings upon thee bestow. 



A NOTE OF WARNING. 



Young traveler o'er life's changeful sea, 

Now setting forth with joy, 
O, do not dream thy trip will be 

All bright, with no alloy. 
For thou hast much indeed to learn. 

As thou sailest o'er life's tide, 
And often will thy spirit yearn 

For some friendly hand to guide, 
With lessons wise, thy vessel's prow 

Amid the tossings of life's sea, 
And so a note of warning now 

I fain would sound for thee. 



I would not that my lips should speak 

A word to give thee pain. 
Or that should cause thee e'er to break 

One link in friendship's chain; 



150 A N'oTS OE WxuNiyiG. 



For frieudshi]3 is a sacred tie 

That human hearts doth bind, 
And blest is he, though low or high^ 

Who sincere friends doth find; 
But this one warning prithee heed, 

Which now I give to thee — 
That all are not true friends indeed, 

Who so profess to be. 



When prosperous gales doth waft thee on, 

And sunbeams 'round thee play, 
High success doth each movement crown, 

And honor gilds thy way. 
Full many will about thee crowd. 

And seem true and sincere, 
Whom the approach of adverse cloud 

Will prove as false as fair. 
Then e'er remember wdiat you read, 

Wherever you may be. 
That all are not true friends indeed 

Who so profess to be. 



Sweet, sunny smiles and winning tones, 

And tongue of flattery, too, 
May freely speak and loudly own 

Deep friendship felt for you; 



A NcTE CF WAK^■I^x;, 151 



But wily man has selfish ends 

Which oft he seeks to gain 
By loud professions to his friends. 

Which trials will prove vain. 
Then ever think, where fate may lead. 

In sadness or in glee. 
That all are not true friends indeed. 

Who so profess to be. 



Yet there are some in mercy given 

To be to each a friend, 
And for this precious gift of heaven. 

Should grateful praise ascend; 
Those who when weary cares betide; 

And sorrow clouds thy sky. 
Turn not away in scornful pride. 

And coldly pass thee by; 
But in the hour of direst need 

Will stand in love by thee. 
True friends will prove themselves indeetl 

More than they claim to be. 

Then as thro' life thy footsteps rove, 

'Neath clear or cloudy skies. 
As richest blessings from above. 

Thy faithful friends e'er prize; 



152 A Note oe Warning. 



With joy they'll make thy journey bright, 

With flowers thy pathway strew, 
And mark the long day's onward flight 

With pleasures ever new; 
For as rich gems from o'er the sea. 

Or jewels past compare, 
To human hearts must ever be 

The friends who prove sincere. 



IN MEMORIAM 



Chas. H. B. Rouss, Died April 15, 1891. 



Amid Mount Hebron's sacred shades 

I stood with saddened, solemn heart, 
Beside an honored mound from which 

A throng of thoughts and memories start; 
Within its quiet, still domain, 

Sealed with death's signet, now doth lie 
One whom I gladly called my friend, 

In pleasant days fore'er gone by. 

One year ago, when early spring 

Did o'er our lovely valley pass 
With re-awakening song and bloom, 

We laid beneath up-springing grass 
The manly form of one who soon 

Had run the circuit of life's year. 
And in his spring-time, erst so bright, 

Hath withered 'neath death's frost fore'er. 



154 In Memoriam. 



It seems most sad and strange that one 

For whom the kindly world did hold 
Such store of gifts, should thus be called 

So soon away ! But youth, nor gold, 
Nor cultured mind, nor polished grace, 

Nor fame, nor hope, nor love hath power 
To shield from the destroyer's grasp 

When comes death's all-triumphant hour. 



It seemeth, too, a cruel thing 

That death should from a father's side 
Thus tear, as 'twere a strong right arm, 

On which he leaned with trustful pride, 
And shatter all the cheering hopes 

That clustered 'round an eldest son — 
Both child and friend — and who, he hoped, 

Would hold the helm when he was gone. 



Our poor, weak reason cannot show 

For such sad scenes the unseen why, 
Nor read in full the lessons meant 

When dear ones thus are called to die; 
Yet as no little sparrow falls 

Unnoticed by the world's great King, 
The calling of our loved ones hence 

Some message to our souls must bring. 



In Memoriam. 155 



Amid Mount Hebron's sacred shades 

Thou sleepest in thy peaceful tomb, 
As on the changeful seasons pass. 

With springtime light and wintry gloom; 
And yet when all life's years are done. 

Beyond the reach of grief and pain, 
Dear friend, in happier scenes on high 

'Twere joy to meet with thee again 



ONE BY ONE, 

One by one they have vanished away, 

In the bloom of youth — in bright babyhood, 
'Mid the duties and cares of life's later years— 

They were called to pass o'er death's chilly 
flood. 
We cannot tell why, but God knoweth best, 

So one by one He hath called them away. 
From danger and toil to safety and rest, 

Trom shadows and clouds to unending day; 
From crosses that all earth's children must bear, 

From pain, and perhaps from evil to come. 
From sorrow, and sin, and every dark snare, 

In mercy and love He calleth them home. 



TO LILLIAN MAY, 



Where gifted minds with cultured grace, 
In pleasing words, sweet fancies trace, 

And rich thought-wreaths entwine, 
With pride and joy oft have I met, 
In jeweled caskets choicely set, 

True, earnest thoughts of thine. 

Rich are the diamonds that gem 
A monarch's royal diadem. 

Or slumber in the seas; 
But thoughts ennobling and refined, 
Coined at the mind of thinking mind, 

Are richer far than these. 

Sweet is the balmy breath of spring, 
Which the young violets coyly fling 

To zephyrs strolling by ; 
But sweeter far are fancies bright, 
That flit and scatter in their flight 

Fair sunbeams o'er life's sky. 



158 To Lillian May. 



A "single thought in true faith sown 
May yield a harvest which alone 

Shall bless earth far and wide; 
As e'en a single star's clear light, 
Through what were else a rayless night, 

A wandering host may guide. 



Then weave the fragrant garlands fair 
Of sweet May Blossoms, rich and rare, 

And give them as our dower; 
May fairest flowers of gladness be 
Twined into life's sweet wreathe for thee, 

Bright penciler of Woodbine Bower. 



JOY TO THE BRIDE. 



Joy to the bride, we wish to-night, 

As 'mid fleeting hours, 
Gay gladness twines its garlands bright 

Of loveliest flowers; 
Sw^eet, sunny peace and merry joy 

Now their fingers link 
To lift their cups without alloy 

For every heart to drink. 



Joy to the bride, in her youthfulness, 
As, with heart elate, 

And filled with hopeful tenderness. 
She now seals her fate. 

Oh ! may the nuptial hour so fair. 
With rare roses crowned, 

Be but a type of joys that e'er 
' Shall her way surround, 



160 Joy to the Bride, 



Joy to the bride I May nothing mar 

The radiant light 
Of pleasure's gleaming, glowing star, 

So cloudless to-night. 
May future years all richly bless 

These linked destinies, 
And cheering hopes of happiness 

Prove realities. 



A YOUNG HERO. 



The ice-king built, one winter night. 

The placid river o'er, 
A crystal bridge all smooth and bright, 

That stretched from shore to shore. 
Next morn upon the glistening sheen, 

That shone so pure and fair, 
A group of merry youths was seen, 

In winter sports to share. 



With glint of steel and laughter's ring 

The graceful skaters go, 
Skimming along like bird on wing, 

Between white banks of snow; 
How lightly beats each bounding heart, 

From care and trouble free. 
The while they ply the pleasing art 

In youthful hope and glee. 



1U2 A Young Hero. 



But oh I the treacherous ice gives way 

Beneath their flying feet, 
And Paul Bedilion, kite so gay, 

A water}^ grave must meet. 
He sinks beneath the rushing wave 

That rolls so coldly by; 
For help — for some strong arm to save, 

How pitiful his cry ! 



Oh, is there no one near to save ! 

To heed that piteous cry ! 
Is there no comrade, stout and brave, 

To help him ere he die ! 
Yes, there is one heroic heart ! 

Tom Morgan — brave and true^ 
In youth's bright bloom, will do his part, 

To save, or perish too. 



He leaped into the dangerous place. 

With cheering word and shout, 
Caught his young friend in close embrace 

And sought to bear him out. 
But all in vain ; the cruel wave 

Seized both with mighty power, 
The lad and he who sought to save, 

Sank unto death that hour. 



A Young Hero. 1(53. 



He knew that death might he at hand, 

Yet dared to venture all; 
To meet at duty's plain command 

Whatever might befall. 
What courage high his act did prove I 

Wl^at pathos in his cry. 
The last sad message sent in love: 

"Tell the folks at home good-bye."" 



It seemeth passing sad and strange 

To finite mortal eye. 
So weak its sight, so short its range. 

That these two thus should die. 
But He who marks each sparrow "s fall, 

Hath plans beyond our ken. 
And love and wisdom marketh all 

His intercourse with men. 



The passing-by of years alone 

Do not make up true life; 
These come alike to clod and stone; 

'Tis earnest toil and strife, 
High thoughts — kind words — brave deeds 
that form 

Existence worth oui- thought. 
And long decades of sun and storm 

For these are needed not. 



164 A Young Hero. 



A life of threescore years and ten 

Could not have brought to thee 
A fitter thne, dear Tom, than when 

Death came so suddenly; 
For of the times at which men die. 

By far the best of all 
Is when they heed a brother's cry. 

And with or for him fall. 



This high, intrepid act of thine, 

From selfishness so free, 
Doth as a star of glory shine, 

A talisman shall be; 
To groping hearts a beacon light. 

To fainting ones give power, 
To see, to dare, to do the right, 

In duty's testing hour. 



Let sculptured marble tower aloft 

In honor of thy name ! 
Let poet's song in cadence soft 

Embalm thy worthy fame ! 
'Tis noble deeds like thine which give 

Our race a higher plane 
Than wealth can buy, or those who live 

For self alone can gain. 



A Young Hero. 165. 



Sleep on, in peace, heroic one ! 

Thou ne'er canst be forgot ! 
The lofty deed which thou hast done 

From memory fadeth not. 
While river runneth to the sea, 

By valley, hill and grove, 
Its murmurous waves shall sing of thee— 

Thy deathless deed of love. 



MY MOTHER'S CHAIR, 



This pleasant Sabbath eve I sat 
Upon the old chair, soft and low, 

On which my sainted mother rocked 
My infant form long years ago. 



Faint memory cannot recall 
A single feature of the face 

Of her who clasped me in her arms. 
In fond maternal love's embrace. 

The cruel reaper called from earth 
That loving mother years ago, 

And took from me the dearest friend 
That child or man can ever know. 



My Mother's Chair. f^'u 



Yet kind and faithful friends were left 
To me, and from the sad, dark day 

When mother died, her orphan child 
Has shared their love and care alwav 



O. as I sat that Sabbath eve 
Upon the chair she loved so well. 

The spirit of that mother seemed 
To linger 'round me like a spell. 



Was it mere fancy that I felt 
Her arm again about me press'd. 

As when upon this chair she sat 
And soothed her little one to rest- 



That on my brow her soft kiss fell. 
And that there to my ear should be 

Soft singing near, as though it were 
The cadence of a luUab}^ ? 



Do not our loved ones, gone before. 

As ministering spirits come 
And hover o'er our earthly lives. 

Blest guardians over heart and home I 



1,68 My Mother's Chair. 



I seemed to be a child again — 
For all the intervening years 

Were blotted out, and in her arms 
I lay, unknowing toils and cares. 



That pleasant Sabbath hour has gone, 
In which I sat on mother's chair, 

Yet life has caught a softer tone, 

And heaven itself doth seem more near, 



OT^ THE THRESHOLD. 



Let us pause on the threshold 
Of the year that is new, 

And with glance frank and bohl 
The past year review. 

Great changes and many 
Have come to each one; 

O, can there be any 

Who no changes have known I 

Some friends we did greet 

With joy at its birth, 
We never shall meet 

Again upon earth. 



17(t On the Threshold. 



Their missions have ended. 
And they are laid low; 

O'er their bosoms have blended 
The rain and the snow. 



Some flowers that then 
Our pathways did strew, 

Shall never again 
Their beauty renew. 



'Though oft dark sorrows 
Their shadows did fling, 

We've found that the morrow 
Joy's sunlight did bring. 



Rich blessings have often 
Been sent down in love, 

Our hard hearts to soften, 
And lead them above. 



How oft we did fail 

Our duty to do, 
Let the flag of Right trail 

In dust 'fore our view ! 



On the Threshold. 171 



Let us deeply repent 
The ill we have done, 

And in days to be sent 
The like strive to shun. 



And through the brief span 
Of the year that is new, 

To God and to man 
Our whole duty e'er do. 



Let us give rest to the weary, 
And succor the weak. 

To the sad and the dreary 
Words of comforting speak. 



With strength, faith and hope 
Let us go to our labor, 

In love bear the cup 
Of joy to our neighbor. 



While time yet survives 
Be faithful to duty, 

And make of our lives 
Sweet poems of beauty. 



GARLANDS OF ROSES, 



Garlands of roses unto thee 

Upon this summer day I'd bring-, 
And with ^lad heart all joyously 

The fragrant beauties o'er thee fling:; 
Fit ornaments indeed are they 

Of one who surely is by far 
Fairer, sweeter any day 

Than e'en the choicest of them are. 



Garlands of roses soon will fade, 

Although now so fresh and fair, 
But the dear record thou hast made 

Upon my heart shall last fore'er; 
Thy words and deeds of gentleness, 

Through all earth's dark or shining hours 
With sweetest joy my life shall bless. 

And strew my path with fairest flowers. 



ILDEWILE. 



Fair and lovely as the flowers 

Of the plain; 
Too gentle for a world like ours. 

Of care and pain; 
With heart as full of joy and glee 

Unknowing guile, 
As merry hirds or roses he, 

Was Ildewile. 



Like a strain of music rare. 

Softly hushed, 
Or a rose-bud sweet and fair, 

Sadly crushed. 
So earth's weak and slender ties 

All were riven, 
And she soared above the skies. 

Home to heaven. 



174 Ildewile. 



Bright angels with their harps of gold 

Bade her come, 
Welcome to the Saviour's fold, 

Their blest home; 
All earthly care and grief and pain 

Now are o'er. 
In joy supreme she e'er shall reign 

Forevermore. 



LOVE'S INVITATION. 



The day-king has gone to repose in the west. 
The song-birds have folded their pinions to rest. 
The sunbeams are fading from land and from sea. 
O, come to me, dear one, come now unto me. 



It is the sweet hour when oft we have met, 
Beneath the fair moon, with her bright coronet. 
Her soft rays are gilding the flower-decked lea. 
Then come to me, dear one, come now unto me. 



The bright stars are coming to gem the blue 

skies; 
Oh, would that thy coming would lighten my 

eyes I 
My heart is so lonely, and yearning for thee. 
Then come to me, dear one, come now unto me. 



17G Love's Invitation. 



'Though friends are around me and smiles g-reet 

still, 
There's none like thee, dearest, my spirit can 

thrill ; 
My heart is all thine, where'er thou dost be, 
Then come to me dear one, come now unto me. 



'Though fame may lay down her crown at thy 

feet, 
And beauty and honor thy coming may greet; 
Yet none will e'er love thee or greet thee like me. 
Then come to me, dear one, come now unto me. 



The hours are all lonely and sad is the day 
Since the light of thy smile has been taken away; 
But oh ! wert thou here, how happy I'd be ! 
Then come to me, dear one, come now unto me. 



PASSING THE MILESTONES. 



To Col. Chas. Broadway Rouss, New York. 



Another uew milestone on life's earthly way, 
Is reached by thy footsteps in honor to-day. 

Thou hast passed the summit 'mid noontide's 

bright glow, 
And now down the slope to the sunset doth go. 

How much closer the milestones seem to find 

place, 
As onward we travel in life's ceaseless race I 

The sunshine and shadows of life's changeful 

sky 
Have checkered thy path as the years have gone 

by. 

From boyhood's glad home in fair Runnymeade 

glade. 
Which never from memory's true tablets shall 

fade — 



178 Passing the Milestones 



Through war's fearful scenes of sad carnage and 

blood, 
Where Virginia's brave sons so gallantly stood — 

From Shennondale cornfields, which ne'er were 

designed 
As arena befitting thy spirit and mind — 

To the great city's marts — its fierce mental fray, 
The finger of destiny pointed thy way. 

Ambition there found fitting fields of delight, 
And held glittering prizes up to thy sight. 

Her prizes were won, and to-day thou dost stand 
On the ladder's top round — known all o'er the 
land. 

But better than gold is the grateful regard 
Of those thou hast led to success and reward. 

As life's mile-stones are reached, may each of 

them be 
Still wreathed with new triumphs and honors 

for thee; 

And when all have been passed and the journey 

is done, 
Requiescat in pace 'neath the myrtle and stone. 



TWILIGHT MUSINGS. 



The day is done and eve doth don 

Its dusky robes of darkness dim, 
With muffled tread the night comes on 

Like some drear spectre, old and grim; 
The twilight shades about me fall 

Upon the still and quiet earth, 
Shrouding with a darkened pall 

The house of woe, the halls of mirth; 
Thus day by day time passes on. 
Till death doth come and life is done. 



When all my fleeting years have flown 

Like this bright day away. 
And all my mortal powers have gone 

With the closing of life's day; 
When this warm heart doth cease to beat. 

And sinks to rest beneath the sod. 



130 Twilight Musings. 



This deathless soul on pinions fleet 

Doth rise to meet its God, 
What record shall I leave behind, 
To bless or curse my common kind ? 



Shall the deeds that I have done, 

While I tarried here below, 
Be unto a single one 

A source of help, to be or do ? 
Shall they nerve his heart with strength 

To wage the war with flesh and sin, 
And urge him on until at length 

A glorious victory he shall win ? 
Oh ! shall my "footprints in the sand" 
E'er guide one to the better land ? 



Or shall I idly pass along 

The active marts of human life. 
Faithless shun its busy throng. 

And shirk my share of toil or strife 
Shall my days go vainly by. 

And see no worthy action done ? 
Unused shall all my powers lie. 

No battle fought, no victory won ? 
And when life's fitful dream is o'er. 
Die like a wave along the shore ? 



TvVIIJ'iHT MlSINOS. ISL 



Thougli but a speck on life's great sea — 

A leaf before fate's driving- blast — 
Each may a curse or blessing be, 
For each there is a destiny 

To fill while life and strength shall last. 
Oh ! Lord, through all earth's fateful hour 

Guide thy poor, finite worm, 
Aid him by thy love and power 

His every duty to perform, 
So that till he shall turn to dust 
Faithful he mav be to each trust. 



V 



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